FAYETTEVILLE — In 2017, Arkansas’ defense ranked last in the Southeastern Conference in sacks and was often unable to force quarterbacks into uncomfortable spots.
Through four weeks this year, the Razorbacks’ pass rush has been fairly effective thanks to the production of Sosa Agim, Armon Watts and defensive end Randy Ramsey, who has made his presence felt since returning from injury two weeks ago.
Entering this weekend’s game against Texas A&M in the Southwest Classic, a series Arkansas has dropped each of the last six meetings in, Agim, Watts and Ramsey have a chance again to be a major factor. According to the in-depth analytics from Pro Football Focus, the Aggies’ offensive line ranks last in the SEC in terms of protecting the quarterback and pressures allowed to opposing defenses.
Texas A&M’s front has allowed 48 total pressures so far this season, 14 more than the next closest team in the conference and tied for the seventh most in the nation. Agim and fellow defensive lineman TJ Smith believe their play can make a difference and ultimately help bring the game’s trophy back to Fayetteville for the first time since 2011.
“I feel like we’ve gotten better since Week 1,” Agim said of Arkansas’ pass rush. “I feel like we’ve gotten better since the spring. As long as we just keep progressing, we’re going to be okay.
“I feel like they’re a good offensive line,” he added. “They work well as a unit. I feel like they pass off stunts well and things like that. If you don’t use your hands, you’re not going to get too much movement on them.”
Much of what has contributed to the Aggies’ high pressures allowed number is their competition. In the first four weeks of the season, Texas A&M faced arguably the top two defensive fronts in the nation in Clemson and Alabama. The Tigers’ heralded front four made headlines this spring when three sure-fire first round draft picks elected to return to school in search of a national championship and their four starters accounted for every spot on the first-team preseason All-ACC defensive line.
Texas A&M’s line features two players, Keaton Sutherland (13) and Dan Moore Jr. (12), who have already allowed double-digit pressures on quarterback Kellen Mond. Linemen Jared Hocker and Carson Green have each allowed eight as well.
“They've played some good fronts with Clemson and Alabama,” Smith said. “I can't talk down on them at all because they're good players, but we want to get after them the same way and make the same types of plays.
“They're on scholarship just like we are,” he added. “We want to get after them. Obviously when you break them down you see weaknesses here and there that you want to get after, but they're good players.”
While the Aggies’ offensive line, according to the numbers, has had its struggles in pass protection, Agim and Smith understand it also means it is battle tested entering Saturday. On Monday, Razorbacks defensive coordinator John Chavis lauded the work of Texas A&M offensive line coach Jim Turner, who is dealing with a bit of youth and inexperience up front this season.
“Guess what? Everybody is playing young guys somewhere,” Chavis said. “They’ve got a junior, a senior and three sophomores. (Turner) is a young man I do know a little bit about. He’s got a track record with (building line play).
“You look at that, it’s a very talented team.”