Texas A&M Football: 3 takeaways from crushing loss to Arkansas

Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) runs for a first down against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) runs for a first down against the Texas A&M Aggies during the second half at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Texas A&M faltered on offense and defense in a 20-10 loss to Arkansas on Saturday and here are three takeaways for the Aggies. 

Armed with an extremely talented defense, an elite head coach, and a promising young quarterback, many expected Texas A&M football to contend in the SEC and for the College Football Playoff this season.

And while Saturday’s loss to Arkansas doesn’t necessarily mean the Aggies won’t be in the mix, it’s hard to see them topping the SEC West or being a serious contender this season for the playoff following the 20-10 disaster in Dallas on Saturday.

Arkansas, the Aggies old rival from the Southwest Conference and now in the SEC, hoisted the rivalry trophy between the two teams, and the Razorbacks were the team that looked ready to threaten Alabama, not A&M.

Of course, this could all be different if starting quarterback Haynes King hadn’t been hurt, but honestly, it might not have made a difference. Here are three takeaways from A&M’s crushing defeat to the Razorbacks.

Aggies are a pretender

The Razorbacks used a pretty simple formula to beat the Aggies and even though they were helped by some big plays, Arkansas rushed for 246 yards and broke the will of A&M.

KJ Jefferson also had a stellar day and contributed more as a runner and a thrower than Calzada, but he also seemed to have more time to operate, and Arkansas backs certainly had more room to run.

The score was 20-10 but this game didn’t even feel that close. It was sort of a butt-whooping and it revealed that the Aggies are a pretender, not a contender.