TEXAS A&M VS. ARKANSAS
Aggies look to keep rolling against Arkansas after bounce-back performance versus Miami
Sep 21, 2022, 11:08 am
Jimbo Fisher and the Aggies face Arkansas this weekend. Photo by Alex Bierens de Haan/Getty Images.
The Aggies showed a lot of grit last Saturday as they followed up a monumental loss with a big-time win over the 13th-ranked Miami Hurricanes. One of Head Coach Jimbo Fisher’s core values is grit. It's written in the weight room, in the tunnels at Kyle Field as the players run out. The messaging paid off as the Maroon and White bounced back in a big way after the loss to Appalachian State. Defense and special teams stepped up in a 17-9 victory, as well as a new quarterback at the helm for the Aggies, Max Johnson.
The Aggies allowed almost 400 total yards but kept the Hurricanes out of the end zone, only allowing 3 field goals. They seemed to adopt the bend don't break mentality, and they might have needed to as they were severely shorthanded. Lacking nearly a half dozen defenders, as well as losing 2 key starters early in the ballgame. Safety Demani Richardson and corner Brian George were both ejected due to targeting penalties. Regardless of the circumstances, A&M rallied around the 107,000 gathered at Kyle to bounce back and possibly right the ship heading into SEC play.
Offensively, things were better, but far from where they need to be if they intend to be competitive in the SEC. The Ags’ mustered 17 points and 264 total yards all led by new starting QB, Max Johnson. Johnson, who took over for Haynes King, went 10-20 and threw for 140 yards and a touchdown. He and the offense weren't spectacular by any means, but he seemed to have something that was missing for the Ags’. He plays with a level of confidence and decisiveness I would argue Texas A&M hasn't seen at the QB position since Trevor Knight. He made smart decisions, took care of the football and ran the offense with confidence and composure. Texas A&M’s season was riding on this game and Max Johnson's performance, and he delivered. However, Jimbo Fisher and the Aggie fan base hope to see more from him in the coming weeks, as the Ags' are entering the toughest stretch of the season.
#9 Arkansas awaits the Aggies in Arlington, Texas. Then a trip to Starkville to take on Mississippi State, then the much-anticipated matchup against #2 Alabama in Tuscaloosa. That is what awaits Jimbo Fisher and his Aggies over the next three weeks, so the offense needs to figure things out fast. Just like the team, we’ll only focus on the upcoming game with Arkansas as A&M looks to avenge the beatdown they received from the Hogs last season. Arkansas is vulnerable, with one of the worst passing defenses in the nation but one of the more impressive offenses in the SEC. I see this one possibly turning into a shootout if the Maroon and White can get the passing game firing on all cylinders. Every game for the Aggies from here on out is a must-win to keep their playoff chances alive, and I see them keeping things going. Texas A&M wins a slugfest 38-35 to improve to 3-1.
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The Houston Texans and Buffalo Bills both enter Week 5 with identical records, looking to continue their strong early-season performances. The Texans, led by breakout quarterback C.J. Stroud, come off a thrilling 24-20 win over Jacksonville, while the Bills are seeking to bounce back after a disappointing 35-10 loss to Baltimore.
Bet MGM NFL Odds: Bills favored by 1
Against the Spread: Buffalo 2-2, Houston 0-3-1
Series Record: Texans lead 6-5
Last Meeting: Bills defeated Texans 40-0 (Oct. 3, 2021)
Key matchups and players to watch
Texans WR Nico Collins:
Collins has been one of the most productive receivers in the NFL this season, leading the league with 489 receiving yards. Coming off a career-best performance with 12 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown against Jacksonville, Collins will be a key target for Stroud against Buffalo’s strong secondary.
Bills DE A.J. Epenesa:
With Von Miller suspended, Epenesa will be expected to step up as Buffalo’s primary pass rusher. Epenesa has one sack through four starts and needs to take on a larger role with the absence of Miller, who leads the NFL's active players in sacks.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs vs. Former Team:
Diggs, who was traded to the Texans in the offseason, will face his former team for the first time. He has been productive for Houston, logging 233 yards and two receiving touchdowns this season, as well as his first career rushing touchdown last week.
Key injuries
The Bills face multiple injury concerns, including linebacker Terrel Bernard, cornerback Taron Johnson, and safety Taylor Rapp, all of whom are questionable. Buffalo's leading receiver Khalil Shakir (ankle) has been ruled out. The Texans could see the return of WR Tank Dell after he missed last week, though RB Joe Mixon is not expected to play. LT Laremy Tunsil is questionable, which could impact their offensive game plan.
Update: Aaron Wilson has the latest on which Texans players are practicing on Friday.
#Texans Joe Mixon remains out of practice and not expected to play Sunday against #Bills Dameon Pierce returns, Tytus Howard sidelined @KPRC2 https://t.co/DR0IKzAC7C
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) October 4, 2024
Team stats and trends
Bills Offense:
Buffalo’s offense ranks second in scoring but has been inconsistent, as seen in their 10-point showing against the Ravens last week. Josh Allen, while turnover-prone in the past, is on a four-game streak without throwing an interception.
Texans Defense:
Houston’s defense has been a standout, ranking fifth overall and excelling against the pass, which could be key against the Bills' passing attack. However, their 40 penalties this season have been a major issue, and they'll need more discipline to keep pace with Buffalo.
Texans Offense:
Houston's passing game has been stellar, with Stroud leading the Texans to the 8th-best offense overall and the 3rd-ranked passing attack. This will be a critical factor against Buffalo’s defense, which ranks 6th against the pass.
Fantasy tip
Look for Nico Collins to continue his dominant streak as Stroud’s top target. Collins has over 80 receiving yards in six straight games, the longest active streak in the NFL.
Final thoughts
This matchup pits a strong Texans passing game against a resilient Bills defense. Buffalo holds the slight edge in the spread, and with both teams vying for a crucial win, this should be a hard-fought contest.
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ChatGPT contributed to this content.