Texas A&M Football: 5 takeaways from rivalry game vs. Arkansas

2. Austin Allen continues regression at quarterback for Arkansas

Against Texas A&M, senior quarterback Austin Allen started the game well. He went 2-of-3 for 20 yards and a touchdown on the opening drive, putting the Razorback up early. It didn’t get any better than that for the Arkansas starter, though, as he finished the first half 6-of-12 for 60 yards. He also took four sacks in the first two quarters, holding on to the ball too long as he waited in vain for receivers to get open.

All told, Allen had another inconsistent performance. There were bouts of great play interspersed among strings of gaffes.As the game went on, the veteran looked increasingly unnerved on the sidelines after each drive. He seemed to calm down in the second half, guiding the Razorbacks on a couple of scoring drives as Arkansas and Texas A&M traded the lead back and forth.

But it was hardly a confidence-boosting showing for the senior, as he threw the game-sealing interception in overtime. Allen completed fewer than half of his passes as the Razorbacks fell to 1-2 on the season.

It almost seems like Allen has the yips, similar to what Wisconsin’s Joel Stave went through in Madison a few years ago. Arkansas could struggle to reach a bowl game if their veteran quarterback continues to play like he did at AT&T Stadium on Saturday. Bret Bielema needs better passing play if he is going to save his job in Fayetteville.