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Stop if you’ve heard this one before, a Bret Bielema-coached Arkansas team had Texas A&M on the ropes but couldn’t finish the deal in Arlington. The Razorbacks fell to the Aggies once again Saturday by a score of 49-43 in overtime — the fifth loss the team has suffered to Texas A&M under Bielema.
Arkansas is now 1-2 overall and 0-1 in the SEC with nine consecutive games remaining on the schedule without a bye, including seven league games.
After having control late in the game, A&M scored 19 points in the fourth quarter and the only seven of the overtime period. If Bielema’s seat was warming up heading into the game, it’s hard not imagine the heat continuing to rise following the latest loss to the Aggies.
Here’s a sample of what Bielema had to say during his postgame press conference.
Bielema: kids put in great preparation…credit to Aggies
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 23, 2017
Of course, the loss was tough to swallow but the pain was compounded as the team appeared to suffer a significant injury with the loss of receiver Jared Cornelius. Bielema gave the latest on his receiver’s status after the game.
Bielema: Jared Cornelius injury doesn't look good but no final determination. Something with his Achilles
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) September 23, 2017
The Razorbacks were burned by an 81-yard touchdown receiver by Christian Kirk, a huge run from quarterback Kellen Mond that should have been called a touchdown — he was inaccurately ruled out before scoring — and another Kirk score via kick return. Bielema mentioned the big plays after the game.
BB: big plays really hurt us: guys are really crushed
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 23, 2017
BB: we got to get better as coaches starting with me
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 23, 2017
A late interference call set up the game-winning touchdown for the Aggies. Clearly, Bielema was not happy with that call.
BB: that was tough to get that pass interference call on Curl in OT, changed momentum
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 23, 2017
While things appear bleak at the moment, Bielema is at least selling some positivity during an uncertain period of his tenure in Fayetteville.
BB: it's gut-wrenching. The kids are resilient though
— Pig Trail Nation (@PigTrailNation) September 23, 2017
Bielema: I know our breaks will come. Know it's tough for fans, players and families but they will come
— Thomas Murphy (@TomMurphyADG) September 23, 2017
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
