Arkansas Football: 3 reasons why Razorbacks will beat No. 23 Texas A&M

The Razorbacks have some ‘Rocket’ power on their side

The last time the Arkansas Razorbacks had someone as dominant as Raheim “Rocket” Sanders running the ball, it was the early aughts and the player wore the same No. 5 donned by Sanders. That player was Darren McFadden, the two-time Heisman trophy finalist and one of the most decorated players in Razorback history.

I’m not saying Sanders should be a Heisman contender, but that the Hogs have lacked a clear game changer at running back since McFadden left after the 2007 season.

They’ve found that elusive spark plug in Rocket Sanders, who’s currently amassed the fourth-most rushing yards of any running back in the country through the first three games of the young college football season.

The Rockledge, Fla. native has been on a tear this season, currently sitting on 440 rushing yards and 4 total touchdowns. He’s recorded 115 or more rushing yards in each game this season, putting him in elite company.

Sanders’ breakout year is just what the Hogs needed to balance out dynamic quarterback KJ Jefferson. To put things into perspective, Sanders totaled 499 rushing yards on 101 carries last season. He’s almost eclipsed that in 2022 with only three games under his belt.

The Hogs are going to push this Rocket to the moon against A&M and wear down that revered defense just enough for KJ Jefferson to throw some touchdown strikes after they’ve been lulled into run after run by Sanders.