Southwest Classic lives up to hype as fans, media react to punch-counter punch first half
Arkansas got off to a solid start at Texas A&M, but the Aggies stormed back with 14 straight points. It was that kind of first half in the Southwest Classic that is most known for tight finishes regardless of the records of the teams.
Ainias Smith chipped in a 35-yard touchdown pass, and then a 15-yard rushing touchdown. But a key play came late in the first quarter when Arkansas defender Jalen Catalon was flagged for targeting and knocked out of the game.
Jalen Wydermyer was one of several key players in a punch-counter punch first half. On a scoring drive where he caught an acrobatic touchdown, Wydermyer had three catches. Overall in the first half, the big tight end for Texas A&M had five catches for 77 yards and a TD.
Treylon Burks was a similar star for Arkansas, with three catches for 55 yards and a touchdown. Both quarterbacks had solid starts as they combined for four touchowns and just five incompletions with less than a minute left in the first half.
Arkansas lost a bit of momentum after a promising drive ended with a missed field goal at the end of the half as the Aggies led 28-14/
Here’s a collection of social media reactions about the first half:
Texas A&M’s four consecutive TD drives is the most TDs the Aggies have scored in a row this season. Previous high was two. Scored two TDs and kicked a FG consecutively against Florida.
— . (@Travis_L_Brown) November 1, 2020
Aggies have had pretty brutal injury luck, but the offense just keep ticking. Not a talented Arkansas defense, but a competent and well-coached one, and 28 in the first half is very impressive.
— Matt Smith (@MattSmithCFB) November 1, 2020
Jalen Catalon ejected for targeting…can’t lead with the crown of the helmet…big loss for Arkansas.
— DAVID BAZZEL (@DavidBazzel) November 1, 2020
In all seriousness, what is Jalen Catalon supposed to do there when the A&M WR ducks his head?
— Tye Richardson (@TyeSportsRadio) November 1, 2020
We have a targeting review… Freshman Jalen Catalon appeared to launch with his head and it is confirmed.
Huge loss for Hogs. Catalon is Arkansas’ second-leading tackler and has a pick-six and a fumble recovery on the season.
— . (@Travis_L_Brown) November 1, 2020
There aren’t many players in college football who can affect a game like Ainias Smith does.
— Mark Passwaters (@mbpRivals) November 1, 2020
Stop us if you’ve heard this before, but Ainias Smith is electric.
— TexAgs (@TexAgs) November 1, 2020
Don’t say die! Franks to Tyson Morris.
21-14 Hogs. 4:13 left in the 1st
8 plays, 75 yards, 2:30 drive with a 4th down conversion pic.twitter.com/Es9LaPg4oC— Nikki Chavanelle (@NikkiChavanelle) November 1, 2020
That was a great answer. Hogs 14 Aggies 21. Need some defense now
— Roger Gipson (@gipsonroge) November 1, 2020
Truly fitting the Aggies play Arkansas on Halloween because it’s the scariest game every year…
— Taylor Lucas (@tay_lu12) November 1, 2020
Aggies making Arkansas D look like a big 12 defense
— Hysmith (@ColtonHysmith) November 1, 2020
Excellent drive by Arkansas….Briles and Franks worked pass game quickly and effectively to keep Aggies off balance…
And close score to 7 pt game…— Landry Football (@LandryFootball) November 1, 2020