Bobby Petrino previews going up against Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson

Bobby Petrino will know the stadium he and his team are heading into this weekend all too well. The Missouri State head coach spent four seasons at Arkansas where he went 34-17. Now, he’ll attempt to defend Razorback quarterback KJ Jefferson in his return to Fayetteville.

Petrino highlighted what makes Jefferson so special during his press conference on Monday. His ability as a physical, dual-threat weapon is something Petrino’s Bears will need to be ready for.

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“He’s big, can throw the ball, throw it deep, and is an accurate passer. He’s a great runner so (we’ll need) our ability to get people to the ball when he runs it and tackle him,” said Petrino. “I guess you would say his biggest uniqueness is that you have free rushers and you can get guys right there to sack him and he breaks the tackle, runs out of it, and either throws the ball or takes off and runs. He’s done a really nice job and they’ve done a great job with him the last two years.”

Jefferson has put up elite numbers in his first two starts of the season. In two wins over Cincinnati and South Carolina, he’s completed 76.6% of his passes for 385 yards, four touchdowns, and no interceptions. Jefferson has also rushed for 129 yards and two more scores.

Jefferson is one of the toughest covers in college football. It’s now up to Bobby Petrino’s team to try and hold him down. After giving up 22 points per game in their two wins, this will be a much taller task when Petrino makes his return at 7 p.m. Saturday night.