The 10 Highest-Graded Players from BYU's Win Over Cincinnati
On Friday night, BYU hosted Cincinnati in the first Big 12 home game in conference history. BYU used a series of big plays to take a controlling lead in the second half and hold on for the win. BYU improved to 4-1 before the bye week. Here are the 10 highest-graded individual players from BYU's win according to Pro Football Focus (minimum of 15 snaps played).
1. Chase Roberts - 86.9
Credit: BYU Photo
Wide receiver Chase Roberts was BYU's best player on offense against the Bearcats. He finished with 131 receiving yards on 6 receptions. Roberts had a reception of at least 20 yards on three of BYU's four touchdown drives.
After the game, Kedon Slovis admitted the long touchdown throw to Roberts was intended for Keanu Hill. It was a heads-up play from Roberts, however, to run back to the ball when he saw Slovis under pressure. That heads-up play completely flipped the momentum in BYU's favor. Had Roberts not stepped in front of that pass, a Cincinnati defender was waiting to intercept it. Instead, Roberts gave BYU a two-score lead and the Cougars never looked back.
2. Jackson Cravens - 77.7
BYU's three starting linebackers finished with 36 tackles. All three of them had at least 10 tackles each. Jackson Cravens was a big reason why their production was so high. Cravens was plugging the middle of the defensive line, allowing the linebackers to run free. Cravens has been one of the most consistent players on the BYU defense this year.
Cravens finished with only one tackle, but his impact extended well beyond the box score.
3. Tyler Batty - 77.3
Credit: BYU Photo
Speaking of consistent defensive production, Tyler Batty was one of the best players on BYU's defense once again. Batty had the only sack of the game and he had three other quarterback hurries. He was also credited with four stops. Stops are defined as "tackles that constitute a 'failure' for the offense."
4. John Nelson - 76.9
A third defensive lineman makes the list. Backup defensive lineman John Nelson played 34 snaps for the BYU defensive line. Nelson had the highest pressure grade on the team and he was credited with three tackles.
5. Jakob Robinson - 75.4
Credit: BYU Photo
Jakob Robinson's pick-six changed the course of the game. When BYU's offense struggled to get anything going in the first half, BYU remained competitive thanks to the defensive touchdown. Apparently Robinson likes playing under the lights at Lavell Edwards Stadium. All three of Robinson's interceptions have come during the two home night games this season.
6. Kedon Slovis - 74.9
Credit: BYU Photo
With 36 seconds remaining in the first half, Kedon Slovis was 1/7 for 2 yards. It was a very, very slow start for Slovis. Before halftime, Slovis led an 82-yard drive on just four plays to take a 14-10 lead into halftime. That drive shifted the momentum of the game and was the spark BYU needed on offense. Slovis finished with 223 passing yards and 2 touchdowns.
7. Tanner Wall - 73.7
Walk-on safety Tanner Wall has made the most of his opportunities this season. Wall finished with five tackles against the Bearcats. His biggest stop came on fourth down when he forced a turnover on downs.
8. Blake Mangelson - 73.6
Death, taxes, and high PFF grades for Blake Mangelson. The backup defensive end is the highest-graded defender through five games. Mangelson had a quarterback hurry and one of the best run-defense grades.
9. Caden Haws - 71.5
Caden Haws is the fifth BYU defensive lineman to make our list. Caden Haws played 29 snaps off the bench and he was credited with a QB hurry.
10. Keanu Hill - 67.7
Credit: BYU Photo
Keanu Hill consistently makes one or two big catches per game. Hill finished with three receptions for 41 yards. His 23-yard reception just before halftime sparked BYU's touchdown drive. Hill is also arguably the best run-blocking wide receiver on BYU's roster.
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