Texas A&M stock report, from Saturday’s game against Arkansas

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Texas A&M picked up its first SEC win of the season with a 34-7 victory over Arkansas in the Southwest Classic at Kyle Field on Saturday night.

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The Aggies have not given fans much to cheer about over the last few weeks, but the 12th Man never wavered and showed up 108,657 strong. They were rewarded with a convincing win and one of A&M’s most complete performances of the season. The offense looked more comfortable, and the play-calling appeared better suited to Marcel Reed’s strengths.

A&M ran the ball effectively and created more explosive plays than in its first two SEC games. The defense was not perfect, but there is little to complain about after allowing only seven points. Still, the lack of sacks is something to monitor after Arkansas was forced to throw more than it wanted.

The SEC has been unpredictable this season, so there is still time for the Aggies to turn things around. Their College Football Playoff chances took a major hit during the 0-2 conference start, but they can still put together a strong finish as they approach the halfway point of the season.

Here is whose stock rose and fell against Arkansas.

Stock up: Holmon Wiggins

Wiggins deserved criticism after Texas A&M scored only six points against LSU, but he also deserves credit for the adjustments he made against Arkansas.

The Aggies leaned on the running game, created easier opportunities for Reed, and did not ask the quarterback to carry the offense. A&M finished without a turnover and produced four rushing touchdowns while looking more comfortable from start to finish. One performance doesn't answer every question about the offense, but it was a significant step forward.

Stats: 401 total yards / 231 rushing yards / four rushing touchdowns / zero turnovers.

Stock up: KJ Edwards

Edwards provided the explosive element Texas A&M had been missing in its backfield. The freshman scored his first two career touchdowns and consistently gained positive yardage when given an opportunity.

His 20-yard touchdown in the second quarter helped A&M take control, and he scored again from three yards out after halftime. Rueben Owens II remains an important part of the rotation, but Edwards showed why the coaching staff needs to keep finding him touches.

Stats: 11 carries, 66 yards, 6.0 yards per carry, 12

Stock up: Landon Rink

Rink continues to make a case for more playing time along the defensive line. The freshman held his ground inside, played with good leverage and helped keep Arkansas from establishing the rushing attack it wanted.

The Razorbacks produced one 30-yard run, but their remaining 21 carries gained only 73 yards. Rink was not the only reason for that success, but his strength and activity were noticeable whenever he entered the game.

Stats: Arkansas rushed 22 times for 103 yards / 21 carries for 73 yards outside its longest run.

Stock Up: TK Norman

Norman capitalized on his opportunities and gave Texas A&M another option in an injury-depleted receiving corps.

He caught all three of his targets and also gained 16 yards on his only rushing attempt. Norman didn't get a massive workload, but he produced every time the ball came his way and finished with more than 50 yards from scrimmage on four touches.

Stats: Three receptions, 36 yards / one carry, 16 yards / 52 scrimmage yards.

Stock Down: Pass Rush

Texas A&M’s defense held Arkansas to seven points, forced a turnover and limited the Razorbacks to 214 total yards. However, the Aggies did not generate as much pressure as expected against an offense forced to throw while playing from behind.

Marco Jones recorded A&M’s only sack, but the Aggies otherwise struggled to consistently make KJ Jackson uncomfortable. It did not hurt them Saturday, but the pass rush will need to be more productive against better passing offenses.

Stats: One sack on 25 Arkansas pass attempts / Marco Jones recorded a seven-yard sack.

Stock Down: Julio Humphrey

Humphrey drew a difficult assignment against former Texas A&M receiver Chris Marshall, who accounted for most of Arkansas’ passing production. Marshall made an impressive, contested catch over Humphrey for a 26-yard touchdown in the first quarter, but the Aggies allowed no other scores.

Humphrey competed throughout the game and helped A&M limit Arkansas to 111 passing yards overall. His stock takes a slight hit because of the touchdown, but one difficult play should not overshadow an otherwise strong night for the defense.

Stats: Chris Marshall — seven receptions, 76 yards and one touchdown.

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M stock report, from Saturday’s game against Arkansas

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