Here are some quick thoughts on No. 14 Texas A&M’s  28-21 overtime win against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium on Saturday night:

What it means: It was the first SEC game of the year for both Texas A&M and Arkansas. So though the Razorbacks entered the game on a two-game skid, as opposed to the 3-0 start for Texas A&M, it was pretty much a blank-slate type of game for both teams, which have had their eyes on a run at the SEC West this season. The Aggies getting off to a 1-0 start just reaffirms their status as a legit contender, given that Alabama, Auburn and Mississippi State have already given ground to the rest of the division.

What I liked:

  • The play calling from Arkansas offensive coordinator Dan Enos. It was a nice blend of run and pass, keeping the Texas A&M defense off balance for most of the night, as well as minimizing the impact the top-rated Aggies pass rush could have on the game. As a result, the Razorbacks dominated the time of possession.
  • The start to the game for Arkansas QB Brandon Allen. He completed his first 13 passes before throwing an interception midway through the second quarter. In the process, he exhibited some really smart decision-making, taking what the defense gave him on the ground and minimizing negative plays.
  • Texas A&M’s utilization of freshman WR Christian Kirk. He’s a special talent, capable of breaking a big play each time he touches the ball. The Aggies did a fantastic job of moving him around in formations and getting him the ball in different areas of the field, which allowed him to do very nice things with the ball in space.
  • Arkansas TE Hunter Henry’s decision to wear No. 32 instead of his traditional No. 84 in honor of injured RB Jonathan Williams. Though he battled a rib injury early in the game, Henry ended up with three catches for 15 yards.
  • With the Razorbacks receiving corp ravaged by injuries in non-conference play, it appears as though Allen has found what could turn in to a go-to target in junior WR Drew Morgan, who led Arkansas with eight catches for 155 yards and a touchdown.
  • The chemistry shown by Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen and WR Josh Reynolds late in the fourth quarter. They connected on a 63-yard pass that set up a first-and-goal, and then again on a 2-point conversion to tie the game at 21-21 later in the drive.
  • After being bottled up for most of the night, Aggies DE Myles Garrett was able to make his presence known with a big strip of Brandon Allen with one minute remaining in regulation.

What I didn’t like:

  • Texas A&M never committed to running the ball with RB Tra Carson. After experiencing a great deal of success against both Arizona State and Nevada by giving Carson the ball 20-plus times, he did not appear to be a big part of the game plan against Arkansas, and it made the Aggies a little too one-dimensional at times.
  • Arkansas’ offensive line couldn’t seem to keep their hands to themselves in the first half. When Texas A&M was having trouble stopping the Razorbacks offense in the early going, the offensive line stalled multiple drives with offensive holding calls. Also, it’s an unfair criticism considering what an amazing pass-blocking line they have been so far, but they also gave up their first sack of the season late in the second quarter.
  • The Aggies’ defense simply couldn’t get off the field in the second half. Arkansas’ line was really able to control the line of scrimmage as the clock ticked away, leaving the high-powered Texas A&M offensive attack sitting on the sidelines awaiting an opportunity for a comeback. Lucky for the Aggies, the offense was ready.
  • In what could have been one of the deciding plays of the game, Razorbacks OL Denver Kirkland drew a false start penalty on a fourth-and-5 from inside Aggies territory, causing Arkansas to punt and defend a 21-13 lead with just over four minutes remaining rather than go for it and potentially end it with points on the drive.

Who’s the man: Texas A&M WR Christian Kirk. This kid is just something else. He had eight receptions for 173 yards and two touchdowns, including one in overtime.

Key play: Texas A&M QB Kyle Allen found WR Christian Kirk for a 20-yard touchdown pass in overtime to give the Aggies a 28-21 lead.

What’s next: Arkansas will travel to Tennessee to play the Vols at Neyland Stadium next week, with a trip to Alabama to follow on Oct. 10. Texas A&M will return home to Kyle Field to host Mississippi State on Saturday.