Why Bobby Petrino played two quarterbacks in Arkansas football's loss to Missouri

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FAYETTEVILLE — Arkansas football made a change with its starting quarterback in the final week of the regular season. The switch did nothing to change the Hogs’ fortunes.

Missouri (8-4, 4-4 SEC) scored the final 17 points in a 31-17 victory over the Razorbacks (2-10, 0-8). KJ Jackson got the first snap under center, but Taylen Green was on the field for more drives during the loss.

After the game, interim coach Bobby Petrino explained his decision to go with both quarterbacks. The rotation was planned well before kickoff on Saturday, Nov. 29.

“They both did a really nice job in practice. I felt like KJ earned the right to start. I feel like Taylen put a whole lot into this program and competed extremely hard,” Petrino said. “Didn’t get a whole lot of help at times. I felt like he deserved to finish playing in the stadium.”

Arkansas‘ only offensive touchdown came from Jackson. He led a 12-play scoring drive late in the first quarter, connecting with O’Mega Blake on a 16-yard touchdown that tied the score at 7-7.

Jackson finished the game 11 of 17 for 126 yards and a touchdown.

Green was responsible for three points, but his scoring drive came off a Missouri turnover that gifted Arkansas excellent field position just before halftime. Green’s final stat line was 6 for 13 with 59 passing yards. He had eight carries for four yards.

In the second half, Arkansas got shut out, and Petrino believed the Hogs’ inability to protect the quarterback was the critical factor.

“That was the big difference that didn’t allow us to go score,” Petrino said. “We moved the ball at times. We get a first down, we get another first down, and then even on some of the quick throws that we were trying to get the ball out quick, we had pressures and sacks. I felt like their defensive line got the best of us.”

Green’s college career is over. He finishes with a 9-15 record as the Arkansas starting quarterback, putting together back-to-back seasons of strong stats with too many turnovers.

Jackson could return in 2026, but his fate will likely be determined by whoever Arkansas names as its next head coach. Of course, Jackson could also make his own decision to enter the transfer portal.

Both quarterbacks impressed their teammates with how they handled Saturday’s situation.

“You know, it being (Green’s) senior night and him not flinching, even though he didn’t start, and just going out there and just being the leader he always is,” offensive lineman Fernando Carmona said. “And then KJ going out there, making the plays that he did. They both did amazing, and I’m just really proud of both of them, just their growth that they’ve made throughout this year.”

Jackson Fuller covers Arkansas football, basketball and baseball for the Southwest Times Record, part of the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at jfuller@usatodayco.com or follow him @jacksonfuller16 on X, formerly known as Twitter. 

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Why Arkansas football played two quarterbacks in loss to Missouri

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