Best QB-RB duo in the country? This SEC Network analyst says so

When Arkansas took center stage today at SEC Media Days, KJ Jefferson and Raheim “Rocket” Sanders were two of the three student athletes to make the trip to Nashville. Together, they make one of the most dangerous backfields in the SEC. But are they the best QB-RB duo in the country?

Chris Doering of the SEC Network certainly thinks so:

Do you agree? 👀 @RazorbackFB pic.twitter.com/HlE24SkyhA

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) July 19, 2023

For hog fans, the statement might come as one of the most mild takes from SEC Media Days so far. Jefferson was a legitimate dual-threat option at QB, passing for 2,648 yards and rushing for 640 for 33 combined touchdowns in just 11 games.

Sanders, on the other hand, rushed for 1,443 yards and 10 touchdowns while bringing in 28 receptions for 271 yards and two touchdowns. He missed the SEC rushing title by just 50 yards after a poor performance against Mizzou.

Last year, the pair accounted for all but 1,395 of the offense’s 6,126 yards. It’s obvious that the two should at least be in the conversation. Still, many on social media took issue with it.

Lol not even top 10. Why is everyone so high on Arkansas? They may win 4 games

— Tyler Wilson (@Twlsn10) July 19, 2023

Sam Hartman > KJ Jefferson
Audric Estime > Raheim Sanders

no… i dont agree

— Sports Talk Drew 🍀 (@SportsTalkDrew) July 19, 2023

Ever heard of @jordantrav13 and @trey_uno1…? https://t.co/PcafjKFaeS

— Sam Granville (@samgranvilletv) July 19, 2023

In most comments protesting the former Florida wide receiver’s statement, fans brought up their own favorite team’s players. And to be fair, there are other great QB-RB duos around the country. JJ McCarthy and Blake Corum at Michigan are arguably the best duo in the Big 10 while Jordan Travis and Trey Benson have great potential in the ACC.

However, when you think of the word “duo” you think of a team. How does one player complement the other? Corum has been dubbed the best back in the country this season by almost all media outlets, but McCarthy doesn’t help him much in the run game. The Michigan play caller had a lackluster rushing attack compared to Jefferson. He rushed for 306 yards and 5 touchdowns. He’s not a true threat when it comes to the running game and his passing isn’t much better. McCarthy threw for just under 100 yards more than Jefferson (while playing three more games) and two less touchdowns.

Jordan Travis, on one hand, is a widely regarded as a top QB in the country. He’s slightly better as a runner than McCarthy but miles ahead as a passer. Benson, on the other hand, is no where near the back that Sanders is. Just how a QB can help take eyes off of the RB with a good running game, an RB can help in the passing game as a receiver. Benson caught just 13 receptions for 144 yards, which pales in comparison to Sanders. None of that takes into account the 500 yards difference in their rushing stats.

There are no QB-RB duos that compliment each other the way Arkansas’ does. Jefferson’s running threat takes eyes off of Sanders, while Sanders’ history as a receiver gives Jefferson more options and a dangerous check down. No other duo can do that while still putting up elite season performances of their own. It’s really no comptition.