Razorbacks come up short as Texas A&M wins 45-42 shootout

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Arkansas didn’t lack effort Saturday night — that’s never really been the issue.

The Razorbacks played their hearts out against No. 4 Texas A&M, trading punches with one of the nation’s best teams in a 45-42 thriller in Fayetteville.

But effort alone doesn’t win in the SEC anymore. The Hogs didn’t turn the ball over this time, but made up for it with blown coverages, and a few costly mistakes that kept Bobby Petrino’s team from turning a great performance into a signature win.

Arkansas’ effort was full of explosive plays and resilience, but they couldn’t overcome the same costly errors that have plagued them all season.

The defeat dropped Arkansas to 3-4 overall and 1-3 in SEC play, while Mike Elko’s Aggies improved to 7-0 and remained in the thick of the national championship chase.

Arkansas Razorbacks coach Bobby Petrino on the sidelines during game against the Texas A&M Aggies at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images

Offense rises, but mistakes accumulate

Petrino liked the effort of his team but admitted their errors decided the outcome.

“We’re just making too many mistakes right now to be able to just score every time we have the ball,” Petrino said. “Defensively, we came up with some stops, at times.

“We had our defensive tackles and ends, at least four times, all past the depth of the quarterback and ended up killing us with that.”

That self-critique revealed how balanced this matchup was. Arkansas piled up 527 yards of total offense behind a potent ground game and dynamic quarterback play.

The Razorbacks looked ready to knock off a top-five team, but the margin for error in the SEC remains razor thin. Every misstep proved critical, from missed tackles to a pair of turnovers deep in Aggie territory.

Texas A&M executes timely plays

For Texas A&M, under second-year head coach Mike Elko, the victory highlighted a maturing program that’s learning to win tight games.

“We’re making winning plays,” Elko said. “I think they’re learning how to make the plays you need to make to win football games.”

Quarterback Marcel Reed displayed impressive poise, completing 23 of 32 passes for 280 yards while adding a rushing score.

His dual-threat ability helped extend drives, and the Aggies converted three fourth-down attempts, including one on their game-winning drive.

The performance marked a continuation of Reed’s steady rise this season as a field general who thrives under pressure.

Running back Rueben Owens contributed 96 rushing yards and a touchdown, while wideout Noah Thomas caught two scoring passes.

Texas A&M’s balanced attack forced Arkansas’ defense to stay on its heels, particularly in the second half.

Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Caleb Wooden moves to make a tackle against Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Ashton Bethel-Roman in a game at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images

Defensive cracks and margin for error

Even in victory, the Aggies’ defense allowed a season-high 268 rushing yards and 527 total yards to the Razorbacks.

Arkansas’s offensive line created consistent running lanes for Mike Washington Jr., who broke off a 57-yard run that set up a touchdown. Quarterback Taylen Green proved difficult to contain, using his legs to evade pressure and extend plays, keeping the Razorbacks within striking distance.

Still, the difference came down to the Razorbacks’ defensive breakdowns and special-teams lapses. On multiple occasions, the defensive front over-pursued Reed, allowing him to scramble for key gains.

Arkansas also failed to recover an on-side kick in the final seconds, which sealed the loss after cutting the deficit to three.

Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green and running back Mike Washington on the mesh handoff against the Texas A&M Aggies at Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville, Ark. | Ted McClenning-allHOGS Images

Razorbacks’ offensive weapons shine despite loss

Despite the defeat, Arkansas’ offensive playmakers had standout nights.

Taylen Green threw for 259 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another. Running back Mike Washington Jr. carried the load on the ground, piling up 146 yards on 18 carries, including a 57-yard burst that set up a key score. Wide receiver O’Mega Blake hauled in five receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown.

The offensive design under Petrino continued to evolve, mixing tempo with creative motion to free up space for the playmakers.

The Razorbacks rolled up nearly eight yards per play, moving the ball with efficiency and confidence. But every drive seemed to end with either a turnover or a stalled red-zone opportunity.

“We’re right there,” Petrino said postgame. “You can see the growth, you can see the toughness, but you can’t win in this league if you give the other team easy points.”

What this means moving forward

For Arkansas, the loss underscores a program still finding its balance. Petrino’s leadership has rejuvenated the offense, but defensive consistency remains elusive.

The Razorbacks have shown flashes of top-tier potential but continue to be undone by the smallest of margins.

With a trip to Mississippi State ahead, Arkansas faces another test of mental toughness and discipline.

Texas A&M, meanwhile, continues to look the part of an SEC and Playoff contender. Elko’s team has learned to finish games on the road — a crucial step in the Aggies’ evolution.

Their 7-0 start marks their best under Elko and has them trending toward the SEC Championship Game.

While the rivalry between these two programs dates back more than a century, this particular game will sting for Arkansas.

It was a night of energy, creativity, and effort, but one that ended in another lesson about finishing strong in the SEC.

Key takeaways

• Turnover and mistake margin: Arkansas’ offensive miscues and defensive over-pursuit proved decisive in a close, high-scoring matchup.

• Aggies’ composure in key moments: Texas A&M converted critical fourth downs and recovered the on-side kick to seal the win.

• Momentum moving forward: Arkansas continues to show offensive progress, while Texas A&M tightens its grip on the SEC title race.