Will Anderson says Alabama must contain Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson in the pocket

This weekend’s game between No. 2 Alabama and No. 20 Arkansas is one of the most highly anticipated of the weekend, especially the matchup between the Crimson Tide’s strong defense and the Razorbacks’ offense attack led by dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson. Alabama edge Will Anderson talked about facing Jefferson ahead of their marquee matchup this upcoming Saturday.

“It’s gonna be a great challenge for us, he’s a really big quarterback, he can run but he can also extend plays with his arm,” Anderson said. “We have to do a really good job of containing him in the pocket because he likes to escape a lot.”

Alabama’s defense has been lights out so far this season, ranking third in the nation in points allowed holding opponents to just 7.3 a game, and second in yards allowed, holding offenses to just 201 yards per game against them.

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The Crimson Tide defense has looked great this season, but they’ve yet to face a quarterback as dynamic as Jefferson so far this season, as he ranks fifth in the country in quarterback rushing yards with 274 and four rushing touchdowns, along with 941 yards and 8 touchdowns in the air.

“But it’s gonna be a great challenge for us, we’re very excited to play him and it’s gonna be a great game,” Anderson said.

Anderson is a pass-rushing expert who often spends more time in opponents backfield’s than not, and it will be interesting to see how, and if, he and his teammates upfront can get to the powerful and elusive Jefferson this weekend.

Sam Pittman says KJ Jefferson’s ball security ‘hasn’t been as good’ in 2022

It’s no secret that the Arkansas offense starts and ends with quarterback KJ Jefferson, as their offense predominantly runs through his arm as well as his legs. Following the Razorbacks’ heartbreaking 23-21 Week 4 loss to Texas A&M, head coach Sam Pittman was asked if he believed his quarterback has tried to do too much this year for the offense.

“I don’t think so, I think his ball security hasn’t been as good as what it was a year ago carrying it,” Pittman said.

Jefferson has fumbled the football in three of Arkansas’ first four games, with his most recent being a diving attempt at the end zone versus the Aggies, where Jefferson leaped from the three-yard line and had the ball knocked out and scored on a 97-yard return on an effort from Tyreek Chappell and Demani Richardson to bring Texas A&M within one point of the Razorbacks.

“I think he just gets caught up in the moment, if you look back at Ole Miss last year he dove over those three guys and extended the ball and all that kind of stuff,” Pittman said. “I think he is trying to win the game and probably that’s about it, to be honest with you.”.

Jefferson’s turnovers may come from a good, competitive place, but they could have the potential to hold the Razorbacks’ offense back this season, especially depending on how many close games they play in. Arkansas will continue to play tough opponents that will be able to capitalize on crucial turnovers going forward, starting with a visit from No. 2 ranked Alabama who visits Fayetteville this weekend.

If the Razorbacks want to pull off the upset against the Crimson Tide, they’ll definitely have to play one of their best games of the season, and take care of the football a lot better than they have so far this season.