PETE’S PICKS: Picking winner of final Hogs-Aggies game at AT&T Stadium

You’ve heard this one: Hogs fan sitting in a bar exchanging exaggerations and jokes with a group of slightly inebriated guys states, “Hey, I have an Aggies joke.”

He is quickly cut off by one of his new drinking buddies with a, “Whoooooa… Let me tell you something. Do you see that big guy in the maroon shirt near the end of the bar? He’s an Aggies fan. And that muscular guy sitting in the corner … he’s an Aggie.

“My friend here beside me, he’s got a very bad temper, and he’s an Aggie fan. The bartender? Well, he’s a die-hard Aggie, and he keeps a bat behind the bar. As a matter of fact, I feel I should tell you, I am an Aggie, too. So let me ask you, my man, do you still want to tell your Aggies joke?”

“No,” said the Razorbacks fan, “I really do not feel like having to explain it five times.”

Some things bear repeating, but other occurrences, such as the Hogs losing streak to Texas A&M, need to never take place again. Oddly, one thing needed repeating, and the football gods ensured we got it: the Arkansas versus Texas A&M rivalry from the Southwest Conference days.

I hate them. I really do. I cannot stand the Aggies. I have no idea why really. Perhaps my distaste dates back to the frequently close contests we had with them in the now defunct SWC. Maybe it is their putrid colors.

Or, more than most likely, it’s simply because they have the word “Texas” in their name. Guilt by association perhaps? I will ask one thing, and it’s something I seem to harp on, and that is why do the networks seem obligated to mention weekly that damned yell practice the students attend the night prior to the game? It annoys me to no end.

Add to all that, A&M has beaten us 10 out of the past 11 times we have met, and the one with Johnny Manziel in Fayetteville still sticks in my craw more than most of all recent losses. In fact, there was a time directly prior to him playing with them I was starting to soften and had found myself quietly rooting for the Aggies. But because of that guy… that sniveling … Well, that is all I will say.

Bygones need to be bygones, and I look forward to putting some bad memories behind me. Specifically, I want to dissolve any recollection of the trend of losses to the guys from College Station.

My fear is even though A&M is still on a down curve for them, we may be miles apart talent-wise to beat them at a neutral site and this will be another wash, rinse, repeat. But that is just a fear, and not a talking point. The time has come to break trends.

Final reflection: the Hogs help me alleviate some of the unresolved anger, but it will take a nerve-wracking game to get it done. Well, that’s more of a prediction than a reflection.

Arkansas 34-28

Random Thoughts

I spoke with my friend Jim Moore the other day, and he informed me he had not been to a victory over the Aggies in five times watching the games. Please, please, please, someone make plans with Jim to keep him away from Dallas this weekend.

TRIVIA QUESTION: What is the lowest point total in Arkansas vs Texas A&M history?

Despite the losing trend, Arkansas leads the series against the Aggies, 42-35-3. Ironically, that’s also the average measurement for an Aggies cheerleader.

I’m still in limbo on what to think about the quarterback and running back both leaving UNLV.

TRIVIA ANSWER: The Razorbacks scored only 5 points – and, believe it or not, that’s all we needed – in a 5-0 beatdown of the Aggies in 1910.

There is a possibility Texas A&M may be without starting quarterback Conner Weigman due to an AC sprain.

Be certain to listen to the game Saturday at 2:30 P.M. via HitThatLine.com and on the air at ESPN Arkansas 99.5 in Fayetteville, 95.3 in the River Valley, 96.3 in Hot Springs, and 104.3 in Harrison-Mountain Home.

SEC Picks for Week 5

Before I get into this week’s six-game slate, I want to clarify something I stated last week. If you read my “SEC Sunday Recap”, I mentioned it there, and when I made the (loose) prediction the Florida versus Mississippi State game “will be either one coach’s last game, or one coach’s invitation into the athletic director’s office to seriously discuss the future.”

That was more of an insinuation Billy Napier’s job at Florida is on the line (and will continue to be) if he loses to a “lesser than” team. Jeff Lebby will be the head coach at Mississippi State for the remainder of this season, and he will be the coach next year. He will, however, be under scrutiny until he proves he can make continuing improvements, and if he cannot, he will find himself getting the Chad Morris treatment.

Andy Hodges took some gambles last week on his predictions, and, unfortunately, they did not pay off. He will look to be laser focused this week, no doubt. So will I. On a side note, if you wager with my picks, I get one-sixth of your profits. Andy will not offer you that kind of action. Also, If you lose (which you will not), well, that’s the risk you take.

Kentucky at (6) Ole Miss: The Wildcats gave Georgia a run for their money a couple of weeks ago, but I feel their role as spoiler reached its peak in that game. The Rebels are better than their current ranking of 6th. Rebels by 10.

Arkansas at (24) Texas A&M: This is the last game of the Southwest Class under contract to be played in AT&T stadium in Dallas. The Hogs bring the tro0hy home. Razorbacks by 6.

(21) Oklahoma at Auburn: I am surprised how many social media “experts” I have seen stating this one will be close. They may be right. Injuries may be a factor. The weather may be a factor. Hugh Freeze whining to the officials nine out of nine times may be a factor. It will be a good look for Arkansas if the Tigers can pull the upset, so maybe that will be a factor in my decision. Auburn by 3.

Mississippi State at (1) Texas: The last I checked, Jeff Lebby plans on facing Arch Manning this week. That’s good, because when the Bulldogs travel to Austin to play in the Longhorns’ first ever SEC conference game, his Mississippi State defense will see Manning; either in the (to be announced decision) starting role for a recovering Quinn Ewers, or in the second half when Texas is up by 30. Longhorns by 38.

GAME OF THE WEEK

(2) Georgia at (4) Alabama: The schedulers gave both teams the week off last season in preparation for what will be one of the top matchups in 2024. As mentioned, the Bulldogs did not look sharp in their last game versus a far lesser Kentucky team. No doubt head coach Kirby Smart used the off week to reinforce the importance of winning and winning big. Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide has looked superb in their first three games. The will give Georgia quarterback Carson Beck his first real road test of the season. It seems almost effortless to pick the Bulldogs based upon their all-star players, but we all know it is not. In fact, it would be a mistake. Bama by 4.

South Alabama at (14) LSU “Good Grief Game:” The Jaguars may be No. 1 in their SBC West conference, but that is not going to save them from the wrath that is Death Valley. Tigers by 28.

Memories are being made every day and I have grown to cherish so many, and look forward to repeating and reflecting upon some great ones in the future.