LOOK: Texas Department of Transportation trolls Arkansas Razorbacks ahead of Texas A&M game

On3 imageby:Ashton Pollard09/24/21

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The Texas Department of Transportation has made it clear who they are pulling for in this week’s game between Texas A&M and Arkansas

“Don’t hog the road, it’s ag-gravating” and “Keep right, drive safe, and Gig-Em!” signs can be seen on the Texas highway ahead of a meeting between the No. 7 Aggies and the No. 16 Razorbacks at the Dallas Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium on Saturday. 

Arkansas has given Texas A&M major problems in recent matchups. While the Aggies have won nine straight meetings, the last four games between these teams have been decided by 11 or fewer points. The 2014, 2015 and 2017 games were all decided in overtime.

The Southwest Classic has been played in Arlington in nine of the last 12 years and returns there this season after a detour to College Station last season due to COVID-19. Arkansas leads the series 41-33-3 all-time.

With an over/under of 47, experts are expecting a defensive battle. Texas A&M is allowing just 5.7 points per game, which leads the nation. After allowing 34.9, 36.8 and 34.8 points per game over the last three years, Arkansas is currently allowing 16 points per contest. Granted, they have not played an SEC opponent yet, but they were able to shut down a Texas offense that was predicted to be high-scoring.

The Aggies are a 5.5-point favorite as of Friday morning. The game kicks off at 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS.

Fisher encouraged by his new, young quarterback

Texas A&M head coach Jimbo Fisher lost his starter Haynes King against Colorado two weeks ago but to date has been impressed with his replacement, Zach Calzada.

Calzada finished the game against Colorado going 18-for-38 with 183 yards and an 18-yard, game-winning touchdown pass to Isaiah Spiller with 2:41 remaining in the game. Last week against the Lobos in his first career start, Calzada was 19-for-33 with 275 yards, three touchdowns and an interception. His head coach took note of his positive progression. 

“I thought he played a very solid football game last week,” Fisher said Monday. “He had one mistake with a pick, but he made three touchdown throws, a couple of them really outstanding, was good on third down, managed the game. I thought played a very solid game, is progressing very well. He has the ability to beat you with his legs and he can definitely get the ball to all parts of the field with his arm.”

King is expected to be out at least a few more weeks after surgery for a fractured ankle.