Most people weren't giving Arkansas much of a chance to hang with Johnny Manziel and the high-flying Texas A&M offense, but the Razorbacks did just that, giving the Aggies all they could handle until a Brandon Allen interception with just under three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter sealed the 45-33 victory for Texas A&M.
Texas A&M vs. Arkansas final score: Aggies outlast Razorbacks, 45-33
Arkansas showed a lot of fight but could not keep pace with Texas A&M.
Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Even though Texas A&M’s victory was not easily earned, the Aggies still had the highlight-reel plays that we have come to expect. Their largest lead of 14 points came on this 7-yard touchdown pass from Johnny Manziel to Mike Evans in the second quarter.
It probably wasn’t a great idea to throw the ball into that kind of traffic, but great ideas aren’t why Johnny Manziel is good at football. Evans hurt his leg on the play but later returned to the game.
From there, Arkansas scored a touchdown and added a field goal just before half time to cut the lead to 24-20, and the Razorbacks went blow-for-blow with the Aggies for most of the rest of the game. Allen, who was not expected to play, had an impressive performance and freshman running back Alex Collins had another 100-yard game, but Arkansas just didn't have quite enough in the tank.
Box Score Hero:
Mike Evans put his body on the line in a six-catch, 116-yard, two-touchdown performance that included the insane catch depicted above.
Rankings Ramifications:
The Aggies came into the game ranked 10th and 9th in the AP and Coaches’ poll, respectively. Coming into the week, Texas A&M was already ranked ahead of the Georgia and Oklahoma State in the Coaches’ poll, but those teams’ losses make room for them to move up a few spots in the AP poll.
Arkansas was unranked before the game and will remain unranked after the loss.
But Did They Cover?
The point spread hovering around 14-13.5, so the Aggies did not cover in their 12-point victory.
For More On This Game:
For more on the Aggies, check out Good Bull Hunting.
For more on the Razorbacks, check out Arkansas Fight.
Next Week’s Schedule:
Texas A&M: 10/12, vs. Ole Miss
Arkansas: 10/5, at Florida
More from SB Nation:
See More:
