ARLINGTON, Texas (KBTX) – For the final time, the Southwest Classic Trophy was hoisted into the air on the field at AT&T Stadium. Fittingly enough, given the series’ lopsided record in Texas A&M’s favor, it was the No. 24 Aggies who claimed the final victory in Arlington over the Razorbacks, 21-17.

Here is the game overview:

Why did A&M win?

After a lackluster performance against the nation’s 14th-best rush defense, Aggie running back Le’Veon Moss caught fire in the fourth quarter and put the game away for the Aggies.

Of Moss’ 117 total yards, 90 came in the fourth quarter. He posted 45 in three carries on the Aggies game-winning drive, setting up the 5-yard touchdown catch by Tre Watson. That momentum carried into A&M’s final drive, eating up Arkansas’ final two timeouts.

It was a much-needed move after A&M’s offense faltered midway through the game. After A&M’s second touchdown with nine minutes left in the first half, the Aggies punted or went into halftime on the next six drives. During that span, A&M ran 23 plays, including three three-and-outs.

Who stood out in the game?

Aggie wide receiver Noah Thomas was the only offensive weapon the Aggies had Saturday and provided something of a breakout game for the season despite the offense’s struggles. He picked up a career-high 109 yards on six catches and 11 targets. He added a 58-yard touchdown catch and run in the first half.

Arkansas’ top target, Andrew Armstrong, was still able to break free, picking up 72 yards on six catches and 11 targets. He was also limited in the game due to an injury that continued to flare up.

What was a key play?

With less than two minutes to play, defensive end Nic Scourton produced a strip sack on Arkansas quarterback Taylen Green, which was recovered by Jaydon Hill. Ended any chance of the Razorbacks mounting a late comeback.

What was an important statistic?

Arkansas was 5 of 15 on third down Saturday after entering the game, converting 61% of its chances and ranking second in the nation.

What does this mean moving forward?

As head coach Mike Elko said after the game, this is an Aggie team that continues to grow and has a lot of growing to do. But they have shown the ability to close out games and find a way to win. That could come in handy as they continue to make progress in SEC play.

Position breakdown

Offence

Offensive Line: B-

• The offensive line struggled to get many points early in the game, but did provide some clean pockets for quarterback Marcel Reed to go to work. Towards the end of the match, they helped make the final push to victory.

Quarterback: C+

• Reed couldn’t find the same magic he possessed in the Florida game and at times the offense was pretty ugly. But he gets a slightly above-average grade for helping the Aggies find a way to win.

Running back: B+

• This position group would finish in the C range, but Moss’ late game effort gave the Aggies the win.

Recipients: B

• At times the receivers failed to get separation, but Thomas exploded when the Aggies needed him most. Could he be the No. 1 receiver A&M has been looking for?

Defense

Defensive line: A

• By far the best pressing game for the defensive front. Add in two key fumbles forced by defensive linemen, and this was the best position group on the field.

Linebackers: B-

• Together with the defensive line, the linebackers held Arkansas to 106 rushing yards, more than 100 fewer than their season average per game.

Defensive backs: C+

• There were some blown coverages that allowed Arkansas to rack up 279 yards through the air, but when the game came to a standstill in the third quarter, they held on.

Special teams: A

• No one wanted to see that many punts, but Aggie punter Tyler White put on a clinic, averaging 43.1 yards per punt with a long of 58.

Coaching: C

• It’s hard to fault the coaches too much in a win, but they played too conservatively at the end of the first half and made some stunning play calls throughout the third quarter.

What’s next?

The Aggies return home for an SEC matchup with No. 11 Missouri at Kyle Field at 11 a.m. The Tigers come into the game after an open week.

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