After back-to-back losses to open Southeastern Conference play, Texas A&M must improve across the board if it wants to rebound against Arkansas on Saturday.

Several areas of concern enter this weekend's contest, especially on offense, but the Aggies can fix them if they find their stride and dominate a struggling Razorbacks squad. This rivalry has seen some wacky, chaotic moments, including Texas A&M's slim 45-42 victory in Fayetteville last season. The Week 5 matchup against the Hogs is the first at Kyle Field since 2020, when the Aggies won 42-31.

Here are five things to watch in Texas A&M's showdown against Arkansas in College Station on Saturday night:

How will Texas A&M's secondary perform against Chris Marshall?

BATON ROUGE, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 25: Tight end Trey'Dez Green #14 of the LSU Tigers is defended by safety Dalton Brooks #25 of the Texas A&M Aggies and cornerback Julio Humphrey #6 during the first half of a game at Tiger Stadium on October 25, 2025 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (Photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images)

Texas A&M's secondary has greatly underachieved expectations through the first four weeks, allowing 212.0 yards per game. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, battling a left hamstring injury against the Aggies, still threw for 312 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception.

Now, the unit will face another massive test in stopping the SEC's leading wide receiver. Chris Marshall has been outstanding for the Razorbacks, posting back-to-back 100-plus receiving games, including against No. 2 Georgia in Week 3.

Can Marcel Reed find success against the Arkansas secondary?

Aggies Quarterback Marcel Reed 10, The LSU Tigers take on the Texas A&M Aggies. September 19, 2026; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; at Tiger Stadium.

Marcel Reed has been at the epicenter of Texas A&M's struggles to open SEC play. The junior from Nashville, Tennessee, threw for just over 100 yards, no touchdowns and an interception against the Tigers in Week 4, leading the Aggies' offense to their first performance of under 200 total yards since the program's upset loss to Appalachian State in 2022.

He ranks last among all starting quarterbacks in the conference in completion percentage and is tied for third-most interceptions this season, just behind Byrum Brown and Leavitt. Reed must turn things around and be more consistent because it won't get any easier moving forward.

Who will be Texas A&M's offensive difference-maker?

Sep 5, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back Jamarion Morrow (2) scores a touchdown during the third quarter against the Missouri State Bears at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

Outstanding sophomore running back Jamarion Morrow is set to make his return on Saturday against the Razorbacks, after being sidelined against LSU. Getting Morrow back in the lineup is huge for the Texas A&M running back room as it faces the No. 13 rush defense in the SEC on Saturday.

He will join Rueben Owens II, who averaged a serviceable 5.5 yards per carry against the Tigers, and freshman KJ Edwards against the Razorbacks. With the lackluster passing attack, Morrow, Owens and Edwards will play a big role in how well Texas A&M performs offensively in Week 5.

Which Aggie wideout can step up with Mario Craver's potential absence?

Sep 12, 2026; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies wide receiver Mario Craver (1) celebrates after scoring a touchdown with wide receiver Terry Bussey (6), and wide receiver Isaiah Horton (7) against Arizona State Sun Devils at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

The Aggies' leading wide receiver was listed as questionable for the Arkansas game in the SEC Student-Athlete Availability Report Wednesday night, which could be a massive hit to the Texas A&M offense, especially after losing Terry Bussey for the season.

Texas A&M will need Isaiah Horton and Ashton Bethel-Roman to step up and replace that production against the Razorbacks' secondary, which has been sharp at times through its first four games and ranks No. 7 in pass defense in the SEC.

What will be the final score?

Sep 7, 2024; College Station, Texas, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive lineman DJ Hicks (13) reacts during the fourth quarter against the McNeese State Cowboys at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

The Aggies are 14-point favorites as of Thursday, but Reed's struggles at the helm are the major concern entering Week 5. He ranks at the bottom of the conference in several passing categories and appears to be without his top target.

However, I think Owens, Morrow and Edwards should be able to carry the load for the offense against the Arkansas run defense, which has been one of the worst in the SEC this season. Texas A&M's success in stopping Marshall will be the key to winning this one, but the Aggies should be able to hold off the Hogs at Kyle Field to improve to 3-2 in 2026.

Final score: Arkansas 20 | Texas A&M 30

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This article originally appeared on Aggies Wire: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas: Five things to watch in Week 5 SEC showdown

Source: Yahoo Sports