Why Arkansas QB KJ Jackson poses a serious threat to Auburn
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Why Arkansas QB KJ Jackson poses a serious threat to Auburn
Taylor Jones, Auburn Wire·Auburn Wire
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2 min read
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Arkansas quarterback KJ Jackson has a chip on his shoulder ahead of this Saturday's game against theAuburn Tigers.
Jackson, who starred at St. James School in Montgomery before signing with the Razorbacks, returns to the area on Saturday to face Auburn in Jordan-Hare Stadium and hopes to put on a show for family and friends.
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Jackson passed for 251 yards in Arkansas' win over Vanderbilt and for 229 yards in the Razorbacks' recent loss to Missouri. Despite completing 63% of his passes for 480 yards in his last two games, he has not thrown a touchdown pass since Oct. 10, when Arkansas fell to Tennessee. Auburn head coach Alex Golesh understands that Jackson is due for a breakout game against an SEC foe, and much of his focus this week will be on the Montgomery native.
"The quarterback has gotten better every single week, and they have enough playmakers between the tight end spots and the wideouts, based on availability, to be able to go and make plays," Golesh said this week. "We have to play really, really sound. We have to stop the run. We have to affect the quarterback, and we have to play good pass defense."
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) runs a route resulting in a touchdown catch as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) defends during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown defended by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) passes during against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels 912) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) scores a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and his wife Jill Freeze celebrate after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Rohan Jones (88) catches a pass in the third quarter as Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (4) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze talks to Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino prior to the game at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) runs a route resulting in a touchdown catch as Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) defends during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Cam Coleman (8) celebrates after scoring a touchdown defended by Arkansas Razorbacks defensive back Julian Neal (23) during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Jackson Arnold (11) passes during against the Arkansas Razorbacks during the first quarter at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels 912) rushes during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback Taylen Green (10) rushes during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Ashton Daniels (12) scores a two point conversion during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze and his wife Jill Freeze celebrate after the game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Auburn won 33-24. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks interim head coach Bobby Petrino during the third quarter against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks tight end Rohan Jones (88) catches a pass in the third quarter as Auburn Tigers cornerback Kayin Lee (4) defends at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers running back Jeremiah Cobb (23) rushes during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/15
Photos: Auburn's 33-24 win over Arkansas in 2025
Oct 25, 2025; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Auburn Tigers cornerback Rayshawn Pleasant (14) returns an interception during the fourth quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images
(Nelson Chenault, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Disrupting Jackson's passing game will be key for Auburn's defense on Saturday. Over its last three games, Auburn's defense has allowed 923 passing yards. Auburn defensive coordinator DJ Durkin pointed out Monday that the secondary played inconsistently in its last two losses to LSU and Ole Miss. Golesh feels the unit needs to play confidently and soundly on Saturday to get back on track.
"At times, (we have) played well and then at times there have been some panicky moments," Golesh said. "To me, if you give up a go ball and a guy goes up and over, those are moments you can live with. When there's some communication things, those are the parts that I struggle with."
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"We've played sound back there. I could go back to the O-line, when everybody's on the same page, and we're playing ahead of the sticks, we've been sound there."
Auburn kicks off the most important three-game stretch of the season on Saturday against theArkansas Razorbacks. Game time is 11:45 a.m. CT on SEC Network from Jordan-Hare Stadium.
