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When experts were asked to pick a sleeper team for the SEC West, Arkansas received much of the loving during the preseason.
If you asked those same experts how they felt about those picks three weeks into the season, there’s a good chance that many of them would request a chance to change their picks to Texas A&M instead.
The Aggies are 3-0, with an impressive win against Arizona State during non-conference play.
Meanwhile, the Razorbacks have struggled in the early going, losing games to Toledo and Texas Tech in consecutive weeks.
Texas A&M and Arkansas meet in Arlington on Saturday for what will be the first conference game for each team this season.
While we wait for Saturday, let’s take a look at what each team will bring to the field on its coaching staffs this season, and just what their line of thinking might be for this game:
HEAD COACHES
Bret Bielema, Arkansas: Now in his third season at Arkansas, it is safe to say that Bielema has picked up the pieces of a proud program that was broken from the exit of Bobby Petrino and a one-year disaster with John L. Smith. The Razorbacks returned to the postseason with a bowl win last year, and expectations for Bielema’s 2015 season went through the roof. After non-conference losses to Toledo and Texas Tech, things have slowed down a bit on the Bielema hype train. A win against Texas A&M in the SEC opener would go a long way in making a lot of people feel better about the direction of the 2015 season.
Kevin Sumlin, Texas A&M: Regarded as one of the best offensive minds in college football, Sumlin has had undeniable success combining talented recruits with a well-developed playbook through his four years with the Aggies. But what has plagued his Texas A&M teams to this point is a lack of consistent effort on the defensive side of the ball. With the hiring of defensive coordinator John Chavis, there has been noticeable improvement during the non-conference schedule. If that type of improvement can carry over into conference play, the Aggies could make a push for a SEC West title under Sumlin’s direction.
OFFENSE STAFFS
Arkansas coordinator: Dan Enos (QB)
His staff: Sam Pittman (OL), Jemal Singleton (RB/ST), Barry Lunney Jr. (TE), Michael Smith (WR)
When Arkansas has the ball: The Razorbacks have thrown the football more than many expected them to through the first three weeks of the season. Of course, they’re 1-2, so that may not be the best route to victory for a team that notoriously relies on the run under Bielema. I suspect Arkansas will try to keep the rushing attack as big of a part of the game plan as the score will dictate. If Texas A&M comes out scoring, expect to see plenty of pass attempts for QB Brandon Allen.
Texas A&M coordinator: Jake Spavital (QB)
His staff: Jeff Banks (TE/ST), Dave Christensen (OL), Clarence McKinney (RB), Aaron Moorehead (WR)
When Texas A&M has the ball: The Aggies have been committed to getting a better run/pass balance out of the offense, and it has worked very well so far. Expect to see Texas A&M rely on newfound workhorse RB Tra Carson early, while working in a steady dose of the Aggies’ typical Air Raid passing attack when the time is right. With Arkansas hovering in the lower half of the league against the pass, Kyle Allen could be in for a big day.
DEFENSE STAFFS
Arkansas coordinator: Robb Smith
His staff: Vernon Hargreaves (LB), Clay Jennings (DB), Rory Segrest (DL)
When Texas A&M has the ball: The Razorbacks will have to deal with a much more balanced Texas A&M offense, which means respecting the run. Expect to see the Razorbacks playing out of a base nickel package in this game, as the Aggies like to spread the field. Whether or not Arkansas can be successful in this game likely hinges on their ability to force Texas A&M to be one-dimensional on offense.
Texas A&M coordinator: John Chavis (LB)
His staff: Mark Hagen (DT), Terry Joseph (DB), Terry Price (DE)
When Arkansas has the ball: Expect John Chavis to follow the model that has been successful against the Razorbacks so far this season. Key on stopping the run, and let QB Brandon Allen try to beat you with a depleted WR corps. While the Razorbacks have effectively moved the ball in spite of injuries, they have had trouble converting that into points the last two weeks.
Nick Cole is a former print journalist with several years of experience covering the SEC. Born and raised in SEC country, he has taken in the game-day experience at all 14 stadiums.
