Texas A&M desperately needed a response after consecutive SEC losses, and the Aggies delivered one in a dominant fashion Saturday night.

The Aggies handled Arkansas 34-7 at Kyle Field, earning their first conference victory of the season while improving to 3-2 overall. More importantly, Texas A&M showed the physicality and consistency that had been missing during its recent struggles.

READ MORE: Texas A&M Still Outside Coaches Poll After Dominant Arkansas Win

Following the win, head coach Mike Elko emphasized how proud he was of the way his team responded to adversity.

"Proud of the response," Elko said. "We challenged the guys to come out and play physical and control the line of scrimmage. We got looser in the second half. Did a nice job on special teams."

Texas A&M established its rushing attack early and never allowed Arkansas to dictate the game. The Aggies finished with 231 rushing yards on 49 attempts, consistently moving the football and keeping the Razorbacks’ defense on its heels.

READ MORE: KJ Edwards' Breakout vs. Arkansas Could Lead to Bigger Role for Texas A&M

Freshman KJ Edwards was one of the biggest beneficiaries of the approach. Edwards rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 carries, while fellow freshman Carsyn Baker added another rushing touchdown. Quarterback Marcel Reed also contributed 66 rushing yards and a score.

Elko also made sure the media knew how proud of he was of Marcel Reed for not listening to the haters and going out there and leading the team to the win. He specifically talked about Reed's ability to get it done on the ground.

"I thought he was able to use his legs and get out of the perimeter a little bit. I think when people allow him to do that, it makes it a little bit easier for him… That gets him in rhythm and gets him comfortable."

The Aggies quarterback carried the ball nine times himself on the ground, and he was able to make the most of those opportunities with 66 yards and a touchdown with his legs.

While the offense found its rhythm, the defense produced arguably its most complete performance of the season. Arkansas was held to just 214 total yards and seven points, with Texas A&M consistently winning at the line of scrimmage and limiting the Razorbacks' rushing attack.

The Aggies also won the turnover battle and received important contributions from special teams, allowing them to control the game in all three phases.

That positive momentum could prove important as Texas A&M turns its attention toward Missouri. The Aggies still have plenty to prove in SEC play, but Saturday's performance provided evidence that this team can respond when its season hits a difficult stretch.

After two disappointing conference losses, Texas A&M finally has something positive to build on.

Source: Yahoo Sports