The Auburn Tigers are set to face off against the Arkansas Razorbacks this Saturday, and for Auburn's returning defenders, memories of their previous encounter with Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson are still fresh. Last fall, Jefferson posed a significant challenge for Auburn's defense, leading the Razorbacks to a 41-27 victory in Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Recalling their previous matchup, Auburn veteran defensive back Nehemiah Pritchett described Jefferson as a formidable opponent due to his size and ability to push the ball downfield. In a memorable play during last year's game, Jefferson broke tackles in the backfield and dragged defenders into the end zone, scoring his second rushing touchdown of the afternoon.

At 6-foot-3 and nearly 230 pounds, Jefferson's physicality makes him challenging to bring down. Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze acknowledged Jefferson's ability to escape tackles and extend plays, emphasizing the importance of preventing explosive runs or passes after missed tackles.

However, Jefferson's rushing statistics this season don't mirror the impressive numbers he put up last year. With only 292 rushing yards and two touchdowns in nine games, Jefferson's ground game has regressed compared to his performance in the previous season. One contributing factor could be the change in offensive coordinator, as Dan Enos joined Arkansas' staff at the start of the season but was later relieved of his duties after offensive struggles.

Since Enos' departure, Arkansas' offense appears to have found its rhythm again. Under new offensive play-caller wide receivers coach Kenny Guiton, the Razorbacks put up 39 points in a 39-36 overtime victory against Florida, with Jefferson rushing for a season-high 92 yards.

The unpredictable nature of Arkansas' offense poses a challenge for Auburn's coaching staff during film studies, as they struggle to determine which version of the Razorbacks' offense they may face. Freeze suggested looking at personnel and reviewing games from last year to gain insights into Arkansas' offensive tendencies.

Fortunately, Auburn's defense has been performing well lately, holding opponents to an average of just two touchdowns in their last two games against Mississippi State and Vanderbilt. While these performances came against lesser offenses in the league, the Auburn defense has shown strength against the run, allowing an average of 4.4 yards per carry on a combined 284 rushing yards over 65 carries.

Auburn defensive back Keionte Scott expressed confidence in their ability to rise to the challenge posed by Arkansas' offense, emphasizing their tenacity in hunting down the ball. The defense aims to replicate their success in last year's game against the Razorbacks, where they forced Jefferson into two interceptions and limited the rushing attack.

As Auburn prepares to clash with Arkansas, both teams look forward to a fierce battle on the field. Auburn's defense will need to overcome Jefferson's size and elusiveness, while the Razorbacks seek to maintain their offensive momentum under new leadership. The outcome of this matchup will have significant implications for both teams' standing in the SEC.