Texas A&M had 8 sacks, as problems continued for the Arkansas offensive line, and the Aggies rolled in the Southwest Classic.

The Aggies slowly pulled away in the 2nd quarter, and by the 2nd half, the Aggies got a pick-6 from their defense, and a huge punt return for a touchdown from Ainias Smith. Texas A&M rolled 34-22.

The Aggies had a strong game against Auburn last week with 7 sacks and 15 tackles for loss, and that pushed the Aggies’ season totals to 13 sacks and 34 TFLs. This was more of the same, and then some.

Each team had a pick-6 as Texas A&M made a momentum-changing play after Arkansas did the same.

There is only one more series meeting scheduled at AT&T Stadium, and the game could be headed back to campus after 2024, but it’s still unclear what the 16-team SEC schedule will look like past next season.

Max Johnson steps into starting role

While he absorbed several big hits, lost a fumble, and threw a pick-6, Max Johnson was solid overall. Filling in for the injured Conner Weigman, Johnson passed for more than 200 yards, including touchdowns to Evan Stewart, Earnest Crownover, and also rushed for 60 yards on 8 carries, including a run of 32 yards by late in the game.

He finished 17-for-28 passing for 210 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.

Arkansas struggles

With Rocket Sanders back, it appeared the Razorbacks had reason for optimism heading into the Southwest Classic. But now it appears that the struggles will continue. After all, Arkansas, which lost its last 2 games coming into Saturday, must correct its problems before Ole Miss and Alabama, both on the road the next 2 weeks. Sanders had just 11 carries for 34 yards, with a long of 9, with about 5 minutes remaining.

Ainias Smith

In last year’s Southwest Classic, Smith suffered a right leg fracture and was lost for the season. But this time, he delivered one of the highlights of Saturday’s action across college football. Smith scored his first punt return score of the year, as Arkansas linebacker Mani Powell was injured on the return, which went for 82 yards. He finished with 202 all-purpose yards.