One of the best seasons in recent Arkansas football history was dealt one of its biggest blows Saturday.
The No. 16 Razorbacks lost standout dual-threat quarterback KJ Jefferson in the second half with a leg injury as they were working on an upset of No. 7 Texas A&M.
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The redshirt sophomore gave the Hogs a legitimate chance to knock off the Aggies, starting with this play early in the game.
KJ JEFFERSON WITH THE DIME@razorbackFB is off and running 🔥 pic.twitter.com/gUWIIcTxom
— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) September 25, 2021
Not only did Jefferson make that throw, he also was heavily involved in the run game.
.@RazorbackFB's KJ Jefferson is a QB who isn't afraid to throw a block 😤 pic.twitter.com/iqRtdYaNtW
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 25, 2021
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He contributed 31 yards on five carries, but it was on one of those runs — a 9-yard rush for a first down — where he was injured. He was replaced by Malik Hornsby, who also impressed.
Malik Hornsby into the game at QB for the hobbled KJ Jefferson
— SEConCBS (@SEConCBS) September 25, 2021
And he wastes NO time picking up a first down for @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/YilYcdSR5H
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Hornsby connected on one of his first three passing attempts after taking over. Jefferson was 6 for 13 for 202 yards and two touchdowns through the air before he went down.
Arkansas already has one win over a ranked opponent this year, a rout of then-No. 15 Texas. The Razorbacks are looking to start 4-0 in coach Sam Pittman's second season.
This article will be updated.