Two teams looking to recover from losses on national television will square off on Saturday as Arkansas hosts Texas A&M. Television coverage begins at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
How to watch Texas A&M vs. Arkansas 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
Can the Razorbacks bounce back after a tough loss?
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
The Aggies are 3-1, but their three wins have come against unimpressive competition -- a 52-31 opening victory over Rice, a 65-28 win against Sam Houston State and a 42-13 trouncing of SMU. The loss, of course, came in grand fashion, falling 49-42 to No. 1 Alabama. The defense for the Aggies is a serious concern, as they’ve given up more than 30 points per game, but they have one of the best passing attacks in the country and will hope to carry that into Fayetteville Saturday.
Arkansas started out 3-0 against a weak schedule, beating Louisiana-Lafayette, Samford and Southern Mississippi in Bret Bielema’s first three games as head coach. The wake up call came last week, when the Razorbacks faced their first road game of the year and fell to Rutgers, 28-24. Bielema has been able to get his renowned rushing offense working, as the Razorbacks rank 23rd in the nation with 246 rushing yards per game, but the passing game has struggled to keep up.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Texas A&M is ranked tenth in the AP Poll and ninth in the Coaches’ Poll, while Arkansas did not receive any votes. Arkansas holds a 41-25-3 all-time lead in the series.
Vegas: Texas A&M is a three-point favorite. OddsShark has more.
Weather: A high of 74 and scattered thunderstorms.
Three names to know
Johnny Manziel. Everybody knows Johnny Football, and he's off to his old magic again -- 15 total touchdowns, 11.2 yards per passing attempt, and helming one of the top aerial attacks in the nation.
Mike Evans. Manziel’s top target is averaging 26.1 yards per catch, and will look to give the Razorback defense fits.
Alex Collins/Jonathan Williams. The two Arkansas running backs have made quite the pair, combining for nearly 1,000 yards already on the year with five touchdowns. If they get going, Arkansas could keep it very interesting.
Two things at stake
After a loss to open SEC play, Texas A&M needs to get things back on track here.
Arkansas fans are not happy after the loss to Rutgers, and Bret Bielema needs to turn it around quickly.
How to witness
TV: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN2.
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Further reading
For your Texas A&M news, previews and analysis, head to Good Bull Hunting. For the Arkansas perspective, check out Arkansas Fight.
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