ARLINGTON, Texas -- Texas A&M is winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, but Arkansas is testing the Aggies deep and having success doing it. Hogs quarterback Tyler Wilson has played well, but Texas A&M leads 35-17.
Turning point: Wilson hit Jarius Wright for a 68-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter. Arkansas looked like it might be blown out, but the big play slowed the Aggies' momentum and kept Arkansas in it early. The Hogs will need a couple more of those to stay alive in the second half.
Stat of the half: Texas A&M has 225 yards on 26 carries, an average of 8.7 yards per carry. The offensive line is getting it done, and Arkansas' defense hasn't been able to handle Texas A&M's balance. Ryan Tannehill has completed 15 of 19 passes for 179 yards.
Best player in the half: Wright, WR, Arkansas. He set the single-game school record for receiving in a single half. He beat the Aggies deep and has been getting open consistently in the middle of the field for 227 yards on nine catches. Arkansas' entire offense has 284 total yards.
Best player in the half II: Christine Michael, RB, Texas A&M. Michael is already over the 100-yard mark for the first time since breaking his leg last season. He's scored three touchdowns and has 128 yards on 14 carries for the Aggies.
Unsung hero in the half: Texas A&M's linemen. The Aggies are dominating both sides of the ball. Arkansas can't establish its running game, and Wilson is getting hit constantly. Texas A&M already has two sacks and came into today's game averaging 4.67 per game, the most in the nation. The Hogs have 13 yards on 15 carries.
What Texas A&M needs to do: This one's pretty simple. Everything Texas A&M didn't do last week when it went into halftime with a 17-point lead. Run. The. Ball. Don't turn it over. Do both and the Aggies end their six-game skid against their future conference mates.
