A Touch of Individuality in a Tradition-Laden Program: Texas A&M’s Victory Over Arkansas
ARLINGTON, Texas (KBTX) – Texas A&M University is steeped in military tradition, a characteristic that often permeates its athletic programs, particularly the Aggie football team. Known for their classic uniform style, the Aggies typically embrace a collective identity that leaves little room for individual expression. However, during the recent clash against Arkansas at AT&T Stadium, a dash of custom flair proved to be the catalyst for a much-needed spark in an otherwise lackluster offensive performance.
The Rivalry Trophy Returns
In a thrilling encounter that marked the final edition of the Southwest Classic, the 24th-ranked Aggies triumphed over the Razorbacks with a score of 21-17. The victory not only secured the rivalry trophy but also sent it back to College Station, at least for the foreseeable future. A significant contributor to this success was running back Le’Veon Moss, whose unique footwear may have played a pivotal role in the game’s outcome.
“I feel like I play better when I feel different from everyone else,” Moss remarked after the game, hinting at the psychological boost that comes from standing out, even in a team-oriented environment.
A Clash of Strengths
The matchup showcased A&M’s eighth-ranked rushing offense against Arkansas’ formidable running defense, which ranked 14th in the nation. Moss, who entered the game averaging 88.5 rushing yards per game, was eager to demonstrate his prowess as one of the top rushers in the Southeastern Conference. However, the early stages of the game revealed a struggle for the Aggies, who found themselves tied at 14 at halftime with a mere 46 total rushing yards.
Moss contributed 22 of those yards on five carries, but a slight injury hampered his effectiveness early in the contest. Head coach Mike Elko acknowledged the situation, stating, “He was kind of working through some different things and we finally got him healthy and ready to roll when it was time.”
A Turning Point in the Game
The third quarter proved to be even more challenging for A&M, as they failed to register any rushing yards and managed only 23 total yards of offense. The Aggies’ performance was characterized by a series of stalled drives, with three resulting in three-and-outs. Elko noted, “The plays were not getting run exactly the way we had designed them to be run or we weren’t getting the right people the ball at the right times. So, we had to take some ownership on what happened.”
Amidst this offensive malaise, Moss decided to take matters into his own hands. Midway through the third quarter, he switched from the standard white cleats worn by his teammates to a pair of vibrant neon shoes that matched his equally bright mouthguard. This change was more than aesthetic; it was a personal expression of his identity on the field.
“I needed to do something,” Moss explained. “That’s how I express myself, through my cleanest and changing colors and stuff… I changed them up, beginning of the third quarter, I changed them up and just went uphill from that.”
The Neon Spark
As the fourth quarter unfolded, the Aggies faced a critical moment when Arkansas regained the lead with a 45-yard field goal. With A&M in a precarious position on a third and 4 at their own 49-yard line, Moss took the handoff and, after initially disappearing into a mass of linemen, emerged on the other side, sprinting 23 yards and igniting the Aggies’ offense.
“I don’t remember much [of the play],” Moss admitted. “I just be balling, really. I ain’t going to lie.”
This electrifying run was just the beginning. Moss continued to shine, accumulating 46 yards on three consecutive carries, bringing the Aggies to the Razorback 5-yard line. A&M ultimately scored the game-winning touchdown on a run-pass option play, sealing the victory.
A Career-Defining Performance
Moss’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. He finished the game with a career-high 117 rushing yards, with 90 of those yards coming in the fourth quarter while sporting his eye-catching cleats. His teammate, defensive end Nic Scourton, praised Moss’s tenacity, stating, “I’m a big fan of [Moss]. I love the way Lev plays. He runs the ball super hard. Watching him go out there and make plays… it was special. I couldn’t sit down.”
Scourton himself had a standout game, contributing two sacks, four tackles for loss, and forcing a fumble that thwarted Arkansas’ comeback attempt.
The Future of the Rivalry
As the game concluded, A&M players eagerly celebrated their victory, seizing the Southwest Classic trophy presented by Dallas Cowboys’ owner and Arkansas alumnus Jerry Jones. With the contract for the Southwest Classic expiring, the future of this rivalry remains uncertain, as the Southeastern Conference has yet to finalize its scheduling format beyond the 2025 season.
Despite the ambiguity surrounding future matchups, Moss is clear about one thing: the trophy is returning to College Station, thanks in part to his superstitious flair for fashion. “The focus was just bringing that trophy back on the plane with us,” he said. “We knew we were going to finish this game the right way.”