COLLEGE STATION — For the first time since the Johnny Manziel-led 2013 team, Texas A&M football is heading to Fayetteville, Ark., for the latest edition of the Southwest Classic.

A historic rivalry that has taken place in Arlington for 10 of the last 11 seasons returns to a traditional home-and-home setup in 2025.

Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino, who began the season as the team’s offensive coordinator, was A&M’s offensive coordinator under Jimbo Fisher in 2023. That year, the Aggies finished fifth in the conference in scoring offense, averaging 33.3 points per game. Petrino had a 3-0 record against A&M during his last stint as Arkansas’ head coach.

Will A&M maintain its winning streak and reach 7-0 for the first time since 1994? Can the Aggies slow down the SEC’s fifth-ranked offense?

Here’s a full scouting report for the Texas A&M Aggies vs. the Arkansas Razorbacks:

No. 4 Texas A&M vs Arkansas

Texas A&M vs Arkansas football betting info

Moneyline: Texas A&M -300, Arkansas +240

Spread: A&M by 7½

Over/under: 61½

Texas A&M vs Arkansas history

Last meeting: Texas A&M 21, Arkansas 17.

Most memorable game: Texas A&M 50, Arkansas 43. (2017) A thrilling back-and-forth offensive shootout went into overtime. A&M safety Armani Watts intercepted a pass in the extra frame, extending its winning streak to six games against the Razorbacks. The lead changed hands four times in the fourth quarter before A&M kicker Daniel LaCamera tied it at 43 with a 27-yard field goal as time expired.

Texas connections: With Arkansas’s campus located about 230 miles north of the Texas border, there is a clear Lone Star State influence on the Razorbacks’ roster. Twenty-four players on Arkansas’ roster come from Texas, including starting quarterback Taylen Green, who is from just outside Dallas in Lewisville. Sophomore tight end Jaden Platt is now with the Razorbacks after spending two seasons with the Aggies. During his time at A&M, the Haslet native appeared in nine games and recorded two receptions.

MORE: Texas A&M will be without top RB Le’Veon Moss for ‘significant’ time

When Texas A&M has the ball

The key for A&M this week and moving forward is seeing how the offense fares without starting running back Le’Veon Moss. Last year, Moss ran for 113 yards on 17 carries against Arkansas.

The Aggies’ primary ball-carrier is expected to miss a “significant period of time” due to injury for the second straight season. Sophomore running back Rueben Owens II is healthy and expected to step into the RB1 role after Amari Daniels took over in 2024. 

Moss was averaging 5.6 yards per carry this season on 70 attempts. Owens was slightly better, gaining 5.8 yards over 56 rushes.

Daniels and Jamarion Morrow, should see an increase in playing time as A&M looks to keep the SEC’s sixth-ranked rushing attack on track.

When Arkansas has the ball

Several Razorbacks issues led to the in-season head coach firing, but their offense doesn’t appear to be one of them. Arkansas ranks fifth in the SEC in scoring offense (36.3 points per game), second in rushing (218 yards) and fourth in passing (293.3 yards). 

Some of these numbers might be inflated due to a 52-point outburst in Week 1 against Alabama A&M and a 56-point game in Week 2 against Arkansas State. Nevertheless, there’s no doubt that the Razorbacks have a prolific offense under Petrino this season.

Arkansas is averaging 33 points per game in its two SEC matchups.

Green ranks fourth in the conference in passing yards with 1,654. The senior has thrown 14 touchdown passes and five interceptions, completing 63% of his attempts. He has the most rushing yards (504 yards) of any non-service academy quarterback in the country.

On the ground, the Razorbacks are led by senior running back Mike Washington Jr., who is third in the conference in rushing yards with 524. Washington is averaging 6.6 yards per carry and has scored five touchdowns on 80 carries.

Texas A&M vs Arkansas key matchup

A&M’s front seven vs Arkansas’s rushing attack

The combination of Washington and Green’s ability to rush presents a formidable challenge for A&M’s improved defense. The duo has combined for 1,028 yards and eight touchdowns this season.

A&M is allowing just 103.3 yards per game on the ground this season and has tightened up considerably since giving up 203 yards to UTSA in Week 1. In the Aggies’ first three conference games, they’ve only allowed 203 yards combined, with the most yards being 77 by Florida last week.

If the Aggies can keep the Razorbacks to that 67.6-yard average they’ve given up in conference play, A&M will likely feel confident about its chances of winning on the road Saturday.

MORE: Rueben Owens II is ready for expanded role with loss of Le’Veon Moss

Texas A&M vs Arkansas prediction

Tony Catalina: Texas A&M 31, Arkansas 20. History suggests A&M should win this game. It’s won 12 of the last 13 meetings between the two programs, and Arkansas is reeling after firing its coach. Still, playing in an SEC environment against a former coach, it won’t be easy. The Aggies will get it done, but don’t be surprised if the game is close for the first three quarters before A&M finds a way to pull away late.

Reach Texas A&M beat reporter Tony Catalina via email at Anthony.Catalina@statesman.com. Follow the American-Statesman on Facebook and X for more. Your subscription makes work like this possible. Access all of our best content with this tremendous offer.