ARKANSAS VS. TEXAS A&M

Rolling out maroon carpet

Aggies thrilled to host Razorbacks

— Texas A&M has Arkansas right where it wants it, maybe in more ways than one.

The Aggies, after losing three in a row to Arkansas in the Southwest Classic at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, insisted their series - now an SEC rivalry - be moved to campus sites for a couple of years to enhance their home-field advantage.

It’s a double-bonus for Texas A&M (2-1, 0-1 SEC) that the Razorbacks (1-3, 0-1) come to Kyle Field for today’s 11:21 a.m. Central game (SEC Network) in crisis mode after losing three home games in a row, including upset losses to Louisiana-Monroe in Little Rock and to Rutgers in Fayetteville.

It would be understandable if the Razorbacks are in a fragile psychological state after reaching No. 8 in the Associated Press Top 25 three weeks ago, but they are also reeling from injuries to key starters.

“A wounded animal is maybe the most dangerous to deal with,” first-year Texas A&M Coach Kevin Sumlin said. “I think it applies. We’ve got a lot to prove, too.”

Texas A&M senior receiver Ryan Swope said the Aggies’ losing streak to Arkansas in Cowboys Stadium had turned into “kind of like a monkey on our backs.

“I would much rather play at Kyle Field. ... I think it’s one of those games that is real personal since we haven’t beat them in three years.”

The Razorbacks are glad to kick off early in their first road test.

“Hopefully the crowd won’t be that much into it like they would be for a night game,” said Arkansas receiver Cobi Hamilton, who had 303 yards and three touchdowns receiving last week.

Texas A&M lost its SEC opener here Sept. 8 against Florida 20-17 after controlling most of the first half.

The Aggies, still playing a fast-paced Spread, accented by a quick-passing game under Sumlin and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, have handed the reins to redshirt freshman quarterback Johnny Manziel, who has not turned the ball over in three games.

Manziel, the Aggies’ leading rusher, accounts for 301 total yards per game to rank 24th in the country.

“He gets rid of the ball and throws it around and they’re able to score a lot of points,” Arkansas Coach John L. Smith said. “I think their quarterback is a special kid, so that stands out.”

Arkansas defensive coordinator Paul Haynes said Manziel is more dangerous as a scrambler and runner than Louisiana-Monroe’s Kolton Browning, who piled up 481 yards on the Razorbacks.

“We’ve got to make sure we’re disciplined in our rush lanes and do a good job of staying in coverage because he can beat you,” Haynes said. “He can beat you if you let him do what he wants to do.”

Injuries have helped shape Arkansas’ early results.

Fullbacks Kiero Small and Kody Walker are lost for the season, and tight end Chris Gragg (deep bone bruise), cornerback Tevin Mitchel (concussion) and safety Eric Bennett (leg) have been ruled out for today’s game.

Arkansas has a winning record (17-12-2) at Kyle Field, but the teams haven’t met in College Station since Texas A&M defeated Arkansas 13-3 in their final Southwest Conference meeting in 1991.

The Razorbacks have memories of rebounding from a 35-17 halftime deficit to out shoot the Aggies 42-38 last year behind Wilson’s school-record 510 passing yards. Texas A&M officials were adamant about bringing the series to their campus, where the 12th Man is a distinct advantage.

“It’s going to be loud,” Arkansas quarterback Tyler Wilson said. “Offensively it says, again, ‘Hey, we’re against the world. Let’s go have some fun. Throw it around, execute and score some points.’ ”

The Aggies are aware of Wilson’s prowess and the effort Hamilton put up last week.

“They’re really good, period,” defensive coordinator Mark Snyder said. “We’ve got a stiff test. This quarterback has impressed me beyond words.

“I mean, he stands in there, takes a pounding, has tremendous touch on his footballs.”

Snyder said he was also impressed with Hamilton, calling him the “real deal.”

Hamilton said he understands he’ll be a marked man.

“I’m just going to go out there and compete, and whatever they do, I’ve got to do better,” he said. “I’ve just got to make plays when the time comes and keep doing what I’m doing.”

The weather forecasts calls for substantial rain showers across central Texas this morning, possibly clearing around kickoff time.

Sports, Pages 19 on 09/29/2012

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