The 10 Highest-Graded Players from BYU's Win Over Arkansas
BYU traveled to Arkansas and came away with a 38-31 win over the Razorbacks. The offense was opportunistic at the most critical moments, and the defense was disruptive when it mattered most. The Cougars overcame two double-digit deficits before taking a 38-31 lead in the fourth quarter and never looking back. Here are the 10 highest-graded individual players from BYU's win according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 15 snaps played).
1. Parker Kingston - 89.0
Credit: BYU Photo
Wide receiver Parker Kingston did a little bit of everything for BYU. Kingston threw a touchdown in the first quarter for BYU's first touchdown of the game. He also put BYU in great field position with a 46-yard kick return.
In the second half, Kingston scored a 20-yard touchdown on a screen pass.
Kingston also made one of the most important third-down conversions of the game. Slovis found Kingston short of the sticks and he made a man miss to get the first down. BYU would go on to score that drive and take the lead.
2. Isaac Rex - 88.5
Through three weeks, Isaac Rex has become Kedon Slovis' favorite target. Rex was targeted eight times against Arkansas, four more than any wide receiver. Rex finished with 57 receiving yards and he was the lead blocker on Kingston's touchdown in the second half.
Rex's best catch of the day was a one-handed catch that gave BYU a first down inside the five yard-line. BYU would score a few plays later.
3. Jackson Cravens - 71.9
Defensive lineman Jackson Cravens was BYU's highest-graded defender against the Razorbacks. Cravens tipped a pass at the line of scrimmage that forced a punt. His best play of the day came in a critical moment in the third quarter. Arkansas was driving with a 31-21 lead. It was 4th & 1 and Arkansas attempted a run up the middle - Cravens completely blew up the play and forced the running back into another gap. BYU linebacker AJ Vongphachanh finished the play and the Razorbacks turned it over on downs.
4. Blake Mangelson - 71.2
After three weeks, backup defensive end Blake Mangelson is the highest-graded player on BYU's defense. The junior from Nephi, Utah multiple big-time plays against Arkansas.
Mangelson was credited with three total pressures including one sack. In the second half, Mangelson sacked KJ Jefferson to set up a long second down. On the next play, Mangelon pressured Jefferson into a bad throw that was intercepted by Max Tooley.
Mangelson has earned more reps for his performance this season.
5. Keelan Marion - 71.1
Credit: BYU Photo
Wide receiver Keelan Marion made his best catch in a BYU uniform in a critical moment. Marion beat his man down the sideline and Kedon Slovis made a perfect thrown over Marion's shoulder for the 37-yard gain. That catch set up Chase Robert's touchdown a few plays later.
6. AJ Vongphachanh - 70.6
AJ Vongphachanh finished with 10 tackles against Arkansas. He was also credited with four stops - a stop is defined as "tackles that constitute a 'failure' for the offense". No stop was more important than the stop he made on 4th & 1. That play gave the ball back to the BYU offense and completely changed the momentum of the game.
7. Eddie Heckard - 70.0
Eddie Heckard made arguably the best open-field tackle of the game on a third-down stop. Heckard was the only defender between the Arkansas receiver and the first down marker - he was patient and he maintained balance to finish off the play.
His best play of the day came in a critical moment in the fourth quarter. Heckard came off the edge and strip sacked KJ Jefferson. Tyler Batty picked up the fumble and gave the ball back to the offense.
8. Jakob Robinson - 69.4
Speaking of open-field tackles, Jakob Robinson made multiple throughout the game. Robinson finished with 10 total tackles. He was credited with five stops.
9. LJ Martin - 69.2
Credit: BYU Photo
True freshman running back LJ Martin made his first career start for BYU. Martin didn't disappoint, taking advantage of the narrow creases in the Arkansas defense. His biggest run of the day was a 45-yard touchdown in the first quarter. Martin's vision, patience, and speed were on full display on that touchdown run.
Martin should be the starter going forward.
10. Ben Bywater - 68.6
Death, taxes, and Ben Bywater tackles. Bywater is BYU's leading tackler through three games. Bywater finished with six total tackles including five stops.
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