Checking in on the early-season temperatures in Fayetteville, Ark. … 

HOT

Korliss Marshall. The sophomore running back had a slow start to the season, thanks to an arm injury and ball security issues. Finally, in the Hogs’ fourth game of the season, Marshall made an impact by scoring two touchdowns in the Razorbacks’ win over Northern Illinois. His speed and explosiveness were evident on his kickoff return for a touchdown and he was even able to get some things going in the running game. He scored a late rushing touchdown in the fourth quarter and finished the game with 40 yards on six carries. He won’t get as many touches as Alex Collins or Jonathan Williams, but Marshall can be a game-changer when he does have the ball in his hands.

WARM

Brandon Allen. His game against Northern Illinois was exactly what Arkansas needed out of the junior quarterback. The numbers weren’t eye-popping, but he was very efficient, completing 15-of-22 on his passes for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He also ran in for a score. Perhaps his best moment was the 10 play, 71-yard scoring drive he led to end the first half. He was 6-of-7 for 58 yards and a touchdown and was able to execute a number of different throws. So far this season, Allen hasn’t been turnover-prone and for a team that is about controlling time of possession and running the ball, that’s all you can ask for out of your quarterback. He has very underrated arm strength and all the tools necessary to be a good quarterback in the SEC this season.

COLD

Arkansas offensive line. Let me start by saying they’re “cold” not because they aren’t play well, but because of the matchup they face this weekend. As big as the Razorbacks’ offensive line is, Texas A&M’s front seven will probably create some issues at times during this game. It’s hard to ignore the stats from the Aggies so far this season – 16 sacks and 30 tackles for loss – good for fourth and 10th in nation, respectively. True freshman defensive end Myles Garrett has been an absolute beast with 5.5 sacks in his first four games, too. There’s no question that Arkansas’ offensive will have its hands full this weekend protecting Brandon Allen.

FROZEN

Arkansas’ secondary. It’s like beating a dead horse at this point, but the secondary has actually played better in recent games. Their inclusion in this category – like the Hogs’ offensive line – is more about the matchup facing them this weekend. Even with the return of Tevin Mitchel, the Razorback defensive backs will be tested as much as they ever will this season by Kenny Hill and the Texas A&M offense. The Aggies have the SEC’s best passing offense (405 yards per game) and the top scoring offense (55.3 points per game). So there’s no doubt about how they like to score their points. Hill will look to get it to one of his numerous playmaking skill players on the outside and the Aggies’ experienced offensive line usually provides great protection for him. The secondary will need to come up big this weekend in order for the Hogs to have a chance at winning this game.