Sam Pittman says KJ Jefferson was ‘banged up’ in loss vs Liberty
Sam Pittman revealed Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson was “banged up” during the Razorbacks’ loss to Liberty last weekend.
Speaking with the media after the demoralizing loss, Pittman added some context to Jefferson gutting out the game against the Flames.
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“He was banged up, he was banged up this week,” stated Pittman. “He did practice every day, he didn’t throw a whole lot this week. He did practice. I think he’s sore.”
While Jefferson was hurt, he still put his best foot forward, passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns against the Flames. Additionally, he carried the football 16 times for 36 yards, as well.
Nevertheless, Sam Pittman, KJ Jefferson and company have to be disappointed by falling to 5-4 following their 21-19 loss to Liberty. Still, the Razorbacks can finish their season strong, a huge showdown with LSU coming next Saturday.
Arkansas stutters offensively, upset at home by Liberty
It’s rare to see an SEC team playing a nonconference game this early in the month of November. But with the way Arkansas planned out their schedule, Liberty was coming to town for a Saturday showdown. The result was not one Sam Pittman was hoping for, just falling short and being upset, 21-19.
At the end of the game, a two-point conversion from KJ Jefferson was the main talking point. Taking a draw right up the middle, the Arkansas quarterback was ruled short and therefore, the conversion was no good. Even after the officials took a look at it, there was not enough evidence to overturn the call.
Before then, Jefferson led a fantastic drive to give the Razorbacks a chance to tie the game up. Instead, they suffered their fourth loss of the season. You can watch the full play here.
When Pittman and his Arkansas staff turn the tape back on, there won’t be much to be proud of on the offensive end. There was not much life until late in the fourth quarter with the previously mentioned comeback attempt from Jefferson.
While the Razorbacks rushed for nearly 150 yards, it was under four yards per carry. Rocket Sanders was the leading rusher with 60 yards. That’s where the struggles were throughout the entire afternoon.
Even if the two-point conversion had been good, Arkansas would have to stop Liberty’s offense from going down the field and scoring. With over a minute left, Hugh Freeze would have attempted to craft something up to get the win.
Freeze, who is considered a candidate for the Auburn job, now has an SEC wins on the season. He signed a new contract recently but could find himself back in the conference sooner rather than later.