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

Here is the game overview:

Why did A&M win?

After a lackluster rushing performance against the 14th-best rush defense in the country, Aggie running back Le’Veon Moss caught fire in the fourth quarter and gave the Aggies the game.

Of the 117 total yards Moss rushed, 90 came in the fourth quarter. He scored 45 on three runs on the Aggies’ winning drive, setting up tight end Tre Watson’s 5-yard touchdown catch. That momentum continued into A&M’s final drive and ate up Arkansas’ final two timeouts.

It was a much-needed boost after A&M’s offense stalled 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 on Saturday and managed something of a breakout game for the season despite the offense’s struggles. He rushed for a career-high 109 yards on six catches and 11 targets. He added a 58-yard touchdown catch and rushing in the first half.

Andrew Armstrong, Arkansas’ primary target, still came through, rushing for 72 yards on six catches and 11 targets. He was also limited in the game due to a recurring injury.

What was a key piece?

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

What was a key statistic?

Arkansas was 5 of 15 on third downs Saturday after entering the contest converting chances at 61%, ranking second nationally.

What does this mean for the future?

As head coach Mike Elko said after the game, this is an Aggie team that continues to grow and still has a lot of work to do. But they have shown the ability to finish games and find a way to win. That could be useful as they continue to develop in SEC play.

Breakdown of positions

attack

Offensive line: B-

• The offensive line struggled to get much of a run push early in the game, but gave quarterback Marcel Reed some clean pockets to work with. At the end of the game they helped provide the final push for victory.

Quarterback: C+

• Reed couldn’t find the same magic he had during 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 path to victory.

Running Back: B+

• This position group was expected to land in the C section, but Moss’ late-game effort gave the Aggies the win.

Recipient: B

• At times the receivers failed to separate, 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 pressure game for the defense. Add to that two crucial fumbles forced by defensive linemen, and this was the best position group on the field.

Linebacker: B-

• Along 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 failed coverages that allowed Arkansas to gain 279 yards through the air, but when the game stalled in the third quarter, they held tough.

Special Teams: A

• Nobody wanted to watch that many punts, but Aggie punter Tyler White put on a clinic, averaging 43.1 yards per punt and 58 long.

Coach: C

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

What’s next?

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

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