Arkansas linebackers and secondary take center stage

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A successful game against Texas A&M begins for Arkansas football with the defensive line. That's the epicenter of this game. What we are about to say depends on the defensive line bringing its A-game or something very close to it against the Aggies. If the Hogs up front can push around the A&M offensive line, Arkansas will give A&M quarterback Marcel Reed a chance to make mistakes. Then the linebackers and secondary must pounce.

Sports Illustrated checked in on these two position groups:

"Bradley Shaw has been the unquestioned leader of the defense since the arrival of Ron Roberts, but he missed the Tulsa game due to an injury. He is the play-caller and in-game audible guy for the defense and Arkansas needs him healthy to be capable of defeating Texas A&M. Both Ja'Quavion Smith and backup Ben Bogle have played extremely well and were active playmakers against Tulsa. The Aggies' speed to press the edges will force Arkansas' defense to be assignment-driven and focused on Saturday night.

“'If Bradley Shaw’s back, he’ll have the green dot,' Silverfield said. 'Maybe Ben Bogle will this week. Maybe we give it to [Ja’Quavion Smith]. But yes, you have the ability to rotate helmets as long as there’s one on the field.'

"There is a possiblility that Arkansas puts the green dot on a defensive back although that's could present a challenge itself. Roberts had to simplify some of his defensive scheme after issues with confusion in the secondary against Utah. With that out of their system by now, perhaps Khmori House would be an option or veteran safeties Christian Harrison or Miguel Mitchell.

"'There’s some teams I’ve seen that have had it on a linebacker and then change up middle of the game and put it on a safety. But we take, I’d say, without overshooting it, probably six different helmets for the guys that have the possibility of doing it,' Silverfield said.”

As for the secondary:

"The Razorbacks allowed 130 of Tulsa's 176 passing yards in the second half with both Joker Johnson and Shelton Lewis playing arguably their best games along their respective boundaries. Reed has struggled mightily this season despite entering with Heisman Trophy hopes and a return to the College Football Playoff for the second straight year. However, he ranks No. 188 among eligible quarterback with a 61.7 passing grade, according to Pro Football Focus.

"While Reed has produced six touchdowns, he has struggled under pressure with only four big-time throws and five turnover-worthy plays. He completed just 10-of-26 passes for 106 yards and one interception and was held to minus-13 yards on the ground, which resulted in his worst PFF grade of his career at 39.2. If the Razorbacks can force Texas A&M into being a one dimensional offense once again, then there's certainly a chacne they can pull off a stunner in College Station Saturday night."

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