Texas A&M overcame a fourth quarter deficit to knock off Arkansas in overtime for a second straight season.
The Aggies trailed the Razorbacks 21-13 for most of the fourth quarter, but managed to tie the game at 21 on a Tra Carson two-yard touchdown run and a Kyle Allen to Josh Reynolds two-point conversion to force overtime.
Allen hit star freshman Christian Kirk for a 20-yard TD to open overtime and the Aggies sealed the win with a great play by defensive back De’Vante Harris to break up a Brandon Allen fourth-down pass.
The win came almost a year after the Aggies overcame a two-touchdown deficit to shock Arkansas in overtime 35-28 last September.
The Aggies almost didn’t need overtime this time around.
After Carson’s game-tying score, Arkansas used its powerful ground attack to quickly move toward midfield. When the Razorbacks finally looked to pass, A&M’s Myles Garrett came off the edge and strip-sacked Brandon Allen. The Aggies recovered at the Arkansas 46 with 1:04 to play and had a big opportunity to end it in regulation.
A roughing the passer call and two short Carson runs followed, allowing A&M to line up for a Taylor Bertolet 38-yard attempt, but he pushed it right to give Arkansas new life.
The Razorbacks were unable to take advantage. A&M scored on its second play of overtime and Arkansas’ possession in the extra frame got off to a rocky start with a false start penalty. Alex Collins gained six on first down, but the next three plays – all Brandon Allen passes – fell incomplete.
The win improves the A&M’s record to 4-0 and gets its SEC schedule off to a strong start. Of course, the Aggies know all about strong starts and how quickly they can go south. A 5-0 start in 2014 quickly disintegrated into three straight losses. Kevin Sumlin’s group has a chance to replicate that start with a home game against Mississippi State coming next before a bye week precedes games with Alabama and Ole Miss.
For Arkansas it’s another loss in a disappointing start to a season with high expectations. Bret Bielema has done plenty of talking, but hasn’t backed it up with three straight losses. The Razorbacks got back to their ground-and-pound brand of football against the Aggies, which should serve them well moving forward. Nonetheless, the Hogs have a lot of work to do to right the ship.
For more Texas A&M news, visit AggieYell.com.
For more Arkansas news, HawgSports.com.
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Sam Cooper is a contributor for the Yahoo Sports blogs. Have a tip? Email him or follow him on Twitter!