PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Kellen Mond has been one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in the country. He’s one of just three quarterbacks in the country — along with Penn State’s Trace McSorley and Syracuse’s Eric Dungey — to have seven-plus passing touchdowns and four-plus rushing touchdowns to his credit. Last year against Arkansas, Mond rushed for 109 yards and added 216 through the air to guide the Aggies to a 50-43 shootout win over the Razorbacks.
–RB Trayveon Williams, a junior, netted just 31 yards against Alabama and Clemson this year — far from stellar efforts against the best competition the Aggies have faced in 2018. Williams is third in the SEC in rushing yards with 430. On 67 carries, he’s averaging 6.4 yards per touch.
With Williams’ struggles against caliber competition, that’s opened the door for QB Kellen Mond’s rushing attack.
“Certain teams like that, you’re not going to sit there and beat your head against the wall and run uphill when you don’t have to,” coach Jimbo Fisher said.
–LB Otaro Alaka, a senior, leads Texas A&M with 22 tackles — 10 of those tackles have been solo, while 3.5 have been for a loss. The Aggies’ defense as a whole ranks No. 10 in the FBS in rushing yards per game (92.5), so Alaka’s presence in the second level will be crucial to keep Arkansas’ offense stifled.
SERIES HISTORY: Arkansas leads Texas A&M in the all-time series 41-30-3. The Aggies, however, have won six straight against the Razorbacks dating to 2012. A win on Saturday would give Texas A&M its longest winning streak ever against Arkansas.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “He used to come visit us and I saw him at clinics We’re friends. I’ve known him a long time. He’s always done an outstanding job on the offensive side of the football.” — A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, on facing Arkansas head coach Chad Morris, who was a high school coach while Fisher was LSU’s offensive coordinator.
