Is the A&M game the most important game of the Bert era?

I do believe so.

The next one is the most important, this has a really high chance of being a special year

I think there is certainly an argument that can be made for that with the momentum we've established.

We've got major problems at RT. Bert and Enos can possibly cover it with a back, but with SEC caliber lines, it could leave us vulnerable on the left side.

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It will be a great year or another mediocre one depending on the outcome of this game.

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So if we lose to A&M but then win the rest of our games it will be a mediocre year?

I can't imagine beating bama if we lose to A&M honestly. It could happen but doubtful

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So if we lose to A&M but then win the rest of our games it will be a mediocre year?

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Gotta get that win over aTm. Real monkey on our backs. Historically Arkansas has dominated the Aggies and we've got to get back to that. That loss last year was ridiculous.

thinking about this question a bit and I'll have to agree.

This game is one of those seminal moments that will answer a number of questions and be the tipping point that leads to a breakthrough or Bert's era at Arkansas stays under a glass ceiling.

First, get that Sumlin/A&M monkey off our backs. This is a match up of two complete different philosophies on football and how to lead a collegiate football program. Arkansas and A&M are polar opposites on just about everything from the types of kids they recruit, chasing the recruiting rankings, discipline inside the program, grades and commitment to academics, offensive style, building a defense, etc. etc.

We've had A&M beat the last two seasons and allowed them to come back and brutalize Ellis to get OT victories. We'll see if everything Bert puts into the program and preaches is legitimate and if the foundation is strong and will lead to higher achievement in the near future.

Since the 2012 collapse we've not gotten the benefit of the doubt from anyone on anything. The 0-17 start in SEC games to Bert's Arkansas tenure has provided much ridicule and was tough to endure. We're ranked in the Top 20 (it may be a little high in my opinion, I'd prefer to be a little under the radar) and A&M just got into the Top 10. Beating a Top 10 team in Dallas after taking down TCU who has had all kinds of momentum and has really hurt our Metroplex and E. Texas recruiting with their ascension the last 10 years should be really helpful to land quality players from those areas again.

There's not been a great story to tell about Arkansas yet and that's why we've not gotten the prime TV spots or much coverage. Now if we beat A&M and go into the Bama game 5-0 on the edge of the Top 10 and with Petrino's Louisville looking strong and being a Top 5 team there's finally a juicy story to tell about Arkansas that has a positive rub. The country will be reminded of how big a sleaze Petrino is, how little ethics U. of Louisville has, and the comeback story of how Bielema struggled, endured, never waivered from his plan or his system and how we took the high road despite the difficulties it brought.

Beating A&M and getting a chance to tell that story and sell it on a national stage would be the most amazing thing for our recruiting. Kids that never give us a thought, will want to come play here and be a part of what the U. of Arkansas offers. Parents and coaches will be impressed and want their kids to join our program instead of looking down upon it.

In terms of this season alone, nah, there'll be bigger games to come. In terms of what a win will do in the bigger scheme of things, this is the game that can define the payoff in having good old-fashioned American values versus the instant gratification and flash and attention-seeking that often defines the millenials. It's a microcosm of MArGA.

If we beat aTm, then beat Bama no one will ever remember the aTm game

If we beat aTm and lose to Bama, the answer to the OP will be yes at least for another season

If we lose to aTm, no. 17-0 will remain #1

I am not sure that this game is as make or break as people think. Last weekend in Ft Worth, to me, was bigger. It set up this weekend and the potential run. If the win does not happen then the reality of 3 straight losses (FBS) happen with a possible 4 out of 5 and natives start to really grumble.

This week is like every other aTm week it is a rivalry it is back to the Jackie levels of hate.