Aggies Week 5: Who to Watch For on Razorbacks' Offense
It's no secret that the CFP committee is harsh.
Sometimes, one game can be the difference between making it and being ranked No. 5. Other times, winning every game isn't even enough to crack the top-10. Regardless, the Texas A&M Aggies are already facing an uphill battle given their Week 2 loss to Miami.
In order to stay relevant in the playoff conversation, however, they'll have to overpower the Arkansas Razorbacks, who stand as Texas A&M's second conference test of the season before it goes to face Alabama.
The Razorbacks have proven to be a tough opponent for the Aggies through the years, forcing overtime multiple times throughout the Southwest Classic's history, and this year will be no exception, especially given the power duo returning for Arkansas' offense.
If the Aggies aren't on top of their game from the get-go, the matchup could turn ugly rather quickly. Ahead of Texas A&M's Week 5 matchup against Arkansas, here are three playmakers that will look to make it a long Saturday for the Aggies:
Sep 24, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson (1) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at AT&T Stadium.
© Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
QB K.J. Jefferson
Jefferson is entering his third full season with Arkansas. Any quarterback who's been with a program that long tends to know what he's doing, and the Razorbacks' 6-3 passer is no exception. After announcing his return to Fayetteville last December, Jefferson began to prepare for his final season on "The Hill," and now seems ready to get going once more.
During last year's Southwest Classic, Jefferson passed for 171 yards and two touchdowns on top of another 1-5 yards rushing with a score on that front as well. He nearly willed Arkansas to a victory, but a missed field goal became the deciding factor, as the Razorbacks fell just short of winning back-to-back matchups.
That loss will certainly be replaying in the senior's mind come September, so if he isn't contained, Texas A&M will likely be sorry.
RB Raheim Sanders
To put it simply, Sanders did it all for the Razorbacks last season. He was the team's leading rusher, to nobody's surprise, tallying 1,442 yards and 10 touchdowns on 222 carries. He made his presence felt by defenders across the conference, keeping them on their toes at the same time with his versatility.
Arkansas is facing a large turnover of receiving talent this season, meaning Jefferson will need to find a new favorite target, but it also means that Sanders is the team's leading returning receiver. He didn't receive SEC honors for his catching ability, but it does add to his dangerous skillset.
Coming back with strong chemistry with Jefferson, Sanders is primed for another breakout season, rounding out the dynamic duo that he and his quarterback have become. Sanders will surely look to make the Aggies' life hard when they begin to focus on stopping Jefferson — who can also run.
WR Andrew Armstrong
Armstrong has no experience playing under the Razorbacks' system. He doesn't even have experience playing FBS football, coming from Texas A&M Commerce, but he does have an extremely strong skillset on offense.
Last season for the Lions, Armstrong reeled in 62 passes for 1,020 yards and 13 touchdowns. If that wasn't enough, the 6-6 receiver averaged 16.5 yards per catch, making him an instant threat and target for Jefferson. If things get started on the right foot, Armstrong could become one of Jefferson's top targets, and could very well break out some long plays on Texas A&M's secondary.
