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There’s no game in the SEC that is not meaningful. Everyone has some kind of implication for who will be champion. Texas A&M comes into this game looking to remain undefeated in conference play, and Arkansas needs to avoid its second loss to stay in the hunt.

Coach Trent Kaufmann gives us the breakdown of this game as well as highlighting some things we can learn from each staff.

-Coach Grabowski

The match-up

This matchup is has large SEC implications. Though this matchup has been one sided, in the last 11 matchups the Southwest Classic has shown the Aggies on top 10 of those times. 

Last year's matchup between the teams resulted in the Razorbacks dropping a heartbreaker, 23-21. Kicker Cam Little doinked a 42-yard field goal off the right upright and the Aggies were able to kneel the clock out and win for the 10th time in 11 years.

The Aggies flashed their offensive firepower early on with quarterback Connor Weigman, who will be out for the remainder of the season with a leg injury. Offensive coordinator Bobby Petrino's group still didn't miss a beat with Max Johnson filling in against Auburn last week.

The Hogs looked pretty solid against a top-15 LSU team last weekend. The focal point of the Arkansas offense is senior QB KJ Jefferson. Jefferson is a dual threat with his running ability and improved passing skills. In recent matchups against Texas A&M, Jefferson’s passing attempts have been relatively low, as Arkansas relied more on the running game. Stopping the downfield passing game will be crucial for the Aggies, and this matchup will be a significant test.

Arkansas

Though they have KJ Jefferson as a weapon on every play, the Razorbacks may lean on their run game. Offensive Line Coach Cody Kennedy loves the downhill run game.  To him, it’s a play in which they utilize their gap scheme double teams “up” to the linebackers. They equate it to getting 600 pounds of offensive linemen on 300 pounds of a defensive lineman.

Video: Defining the Duo Play

The schemes you add will have to attack some of the trending fronts as well, and the most popular front we’ve seen in the last couple of seasons has been the Tite or Mint front or 4i-0-4i that has been made popular at the college level. The Duo is great for attacking this front, and Coach Kennedy explains it here:

Video: Duo vs Odd

Kennedy breaks down game film of the Duo play in this video:

(click on image for video)

Texas & AM

Coach Jimbo Fisher instills a championship mentality in practice.  He explains his philosophy here (click on image for video):

Video: Championship Mentality in Practice

Coming away from the Red Zone trips with points, especially touchdowns will be critical if the Aggies want to bring down the Razorbacks. That starts with a clear understanding of what actually affects the game. Coach Fisher explains here (click on image for video):

Video: Philosophy on What Actually Affects the Game

This should be a fun one to watch! Enjoy all of the games this weekend and good luck on your preparation for next week.

Strive to Succeed!

Coach Kauffman

More Clinics from these staffs:

Playing Football the Aggie Way - Jimbo Fisher, HC

Play Action Pass Game - Darrell Dickey w/ Jimbo Fisher, HC

Elijah Robinson - TX A&M Univ. - Creating Turnovers (w/ Jimbo Fisher)

Lessons Learned in Coaching - Sam Pittman, HC

4 Phases of Punt Return - Scott Fountain, AHC/STC

Physical, Mental, and Emotional Development of the QB - Dan Enos, QB

The Wham Play - Cody Kennedy, OL