The long, nightmare of a losing streak is finally over.
In its first game with a new offensive coordinator, Arkansas football finally broke through, beating Florida 39-36 in overtime for its first win since early September.
The Razorbacks (3-6, 1-5 SEC) held the Gators to a field goal in the extra period, and KJ Jefferson hit Tyrone Broden for a four-yard score and a walk-off victory.
![Florida Gators safety Bryce Thornton (18) pressures Arkansas Razorbacks quarterback KJ Jefferson in the first half at Steve Spurrier Field at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, FL on Saturday, November 4, 2023. [Doug Engle/Gainesville Sun]](https://www.swtimes.com/gcdn/authoring/authoring-images/2023/11/04/NOSB/71454328007-flgai-110423-ncaaf-floridavs-arkansas-0054-de.jpg?width=660&height=423&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
With the win, Arkansas keeps its bowl-eligibility hopes alive. The Razorbacks must win out to secure a postseason berth.
Here are some immediate observations following the Arkansas victory.
More:How new offensive coordinator Kenny Guiton is impressing Arkansas football coaches and players
More:What channel is Arkansas vs Florida on today? Time, TV schedule for Razorbacks ninth game
KJ Jefferson has his senior moment
This has undoubtedly been a difficult season for Jefferson, but the Arkansas quarterback finally had a signature moment during his senior season.
On three got-to-score possessions in the fourth quarter and overtime, Jefferson delivered. He scored on a 25-yard touchdown to give Arkansas a 30-26 lead, and when Florida responded, Jefferson marched his offense down the field for a game-tying field goal.
The Hogs’ first play in overtime resulted in a holding penalty that made it first-and-20, but that was no sweat for the quarterback, who picked up a first down on the very next play with a run up the middle that included Jefferson running over a Florida defender. Two plays later, Arkansas won the game.
Jefferson finished with 255 passing yards and 92 rushing yards. This was his best game of the season and could be a springboard for the closing stretch.
Highs and lows under new offensive coordinator
It was a dream start for Arkansas interim play-caller Kenny Guiton, with the Razorbacks finding the end zone on their first series of the game. KJ Jefferson connected with running back AJ Green on a wheel route for an eight-yard score.
But after that drive, old issues reappeared under the new coordinator. The Arkansas offensive line struggled mightily against the Florida pass rush, giving up five sacks and limiting Jefferson’s time to throw the football.
But Guiton’s group came to life in the fourth quarter, with the offensive line playing a key part creating running lanes for Jefferson and Raheim Sanders.
Jaylon Braxton is a star
Braxton continued his stellar freshman campaign Saturday, making arguably his best play of the season with a strip-and-score in the first quarter to give Arkansas a 14-0 lead.
Braxton ripped the ball clean from the arms Ricky Pearsall before running 32 yards untouched for a touchdown. The cornerback was also solid in pass coverage all afternoon.
Braxton has stacked impressive performances all season and could be a foundational piece for this defense in the years to come.
Rocket Sanders returns with an impact
The Arkansas running back has missed five games this season with a nagging knee injury. After sitting in losses to Alabama and Mississippi State, Sanders returned Saturday.
The Razorbacks came in averaging 2.9 yards per rush, but Sanders finished with 103 yards on 18 carries. He had a clutch run in overtime to set up the walk-off touchdown, and Arkansas is a different problem for opposing defenses when the Rocket is healthy.
