Cougars Unable To Stop Razorbacks, Suffer Second Straight Loss
Oct 15, 2022, 5:10 PM | Updated: 5:19 pm
Arkansas vs. BYU (Courtesy of BYU Photo)
(Courtesy of BYU Photo)
PROVO, Utah – The BYU Cougars failed to keep pace with KJ Jefferson & Co. and suffered a big loss at home to the Arkansas Razorbacks.
The Cougars hosted the Razorbacks at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Saturday, October 15.
Arkansas beat BYU, 52-35.
After taking a 13-7 lead into the second quarter, the Cougars were outscored by 16 points in the final 15 minutes of the first half. BYU managed to score a couple of touchdowns in the the second half. However, the Razorbacks outscored the Cougars by seven points over the final two quarters to capture a win in Provo.
First Quarter
Strong showing from Arkansas fans in Provo. #ARKvsBYU #BYU pic.twitter.com/2OZIwMMtm2
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
"I love you baby Cosmo 💙" – @byu_cosmo#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYU https://t.co/DSkF10fe2r
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
ITS GAMEDAY🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/tFhpdYm8sx
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
Excellent job by Max Tooley to punch out the football then Keenan Pili recovers.#ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Fumble recovery by Keenan Pili!#ARKvsBYU pic.twitter.com/oaJnzCB3h6
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Great start for the special teams.
Excellent patience by Ryan Rehkow and Jacob Boren downs the punt inside the one yard line. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Knowing that Puka Nacua suffered an injury earlier this year on a handoff, interesting move to give him handoffs now. #BYU #ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Two of #BYU's three phases are off to fast starts. Offense not holding up their end of the deal to open this game.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
#BYU defense brought the pressure on third down. John Nelson with the quarterback hurry. He continues to be one of the top players on defense this season.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
I'm sure #BYU DB Ammon Hannemann is going to want that dropped Interception back. Missed opportunity for a second takeaway. Accuracy issues early from Arkansas QB KJ Jefferson.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
That was a nice looking long ball from Jaren Hall on the PI call.
Good sign regarding his arm strength today. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
It's not often we see Hall line up under center. Center exchange hit the turf in that setup. #ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
That's why Puka Nacua is one of the best talent's we've seen come through #BYU at the wide receiver spot.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Nacua gets both feet in bounds.
NFL quality grab from Puka.
Fantastic pass by Hall as well. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Love getting Isaac Rex involved early.
He needs more touches. Keep getting him the ball. #BYU #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Respect a man who has a Swig gif. TD Isaac Rex. 🤙 🏈 pic.twitter.com/m0fwSxr2Qi
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Strolling on in🚶 pic.twitter.com/PIP6ZhHUiw
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
.@jarenhall3 ➡️ Isaac Rex for the ✌️ time this season. #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYUhttps://t.co/1zsL23BShR
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
#BYU rush defense not good here in the first quarter.
The Hogs have run it 11 times for 82 yards and a score.
It’s surprising they’ve thrown it 9 times considering the success on the ground. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
#BYU's tackling was an issue on that touchdown drive for Hogs.
Also, "Rocket" Sanders might be the best running back #BYU has faced this year. Goes in front of Wyoming's Titus Swen, IMO.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
8 targets/carries for Puka Nacua here in the first quarter. #BYU is determined to get him the ball and I am all for it. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
#BYU QB Jaren Hall looks great this week. Practice definitely matters.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Looks like his old self.
Accurate passes with plenty of zip. https://t.co/LIVMINLPVz
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Justen Smith misses another PAT. Off the upright. Surprised we haven't seen Cash Peterman get an opportunity yet.#BYU #ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Six touchdown receptions now for Kody Epps who is top 25 nationally for touchdown receptions.
He was my offensive MVP not named Jaren Hall for the first half of the season earlier today on CSS. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
TUDDY TIME @EppsKody pic.twitter.com/yJVPkyZwgT
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
Can't count @EppsKody's touchdowns on one hand anymore. 😏#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYU https://t.co/JLnBxAqjPA
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
I’m ready to see Jake Oldroyd again.
Two missed PAT’s is a tough pill to swallow. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Time for kicker tryouts?
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Solid first quarter in Provo.@BYUfootball – 13 @RazorbackFB – 7#ARKvsBYU #BYU #GoCougs pic.twitter.com/P4HHZ4JOrP
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Second Quarter
🚨 Cosmo dancing with Cougarettes 🚨 pic.twitter.com/k0PWQMGauy
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
#BYU defense allowed ND to convert 75% of their third down conversions last week.
Arkansas is also completing 75% of their third downs today going 3 for 4.
They have to find a way to get off the field. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
No need for #BYU to run the football with the success they are having in the air.
Pass, pass, and more passes. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Puka Nacua had a beautiful touchdown grab negated because of a facemask penalty on Puka. Crazy. You don't see that very often.#BYU #ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Jaren Hall is playing so well, maybe his best football of the season.
This Jaren Hall vs ND and the Cougars are still ranked. #BYU #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
. @EppsKody dancing on 'em🕺 pic.twitter.com/UT6VaTfa9o
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
TOO. MUCH. SWAAAAAAAAG. 😮💨
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
Kalani Sitake has talked about rhythm a lot lately. There's a good rhythm to #BYU's offense today.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Puka Nacua is that dude. 👀 pic.twitter.com/HY5zUvQwvQ
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
.@AsapPuka is a cheat code. 💨 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYU https://t.co/7N9LAZGDyl
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
PUKA. NACUA. pic.twitter.com/IytZFZ4U2h
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
Ethan Slade was viewed as one of the most improved #BYU players in the program coming out of fall camp. He's earned a lot of snaps this season. Comes up with a big PBU to hold Arkansas to a field goal.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
I'm surprised Arkansas settled for a field goal.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Mason Fakahua gets his first carry as a #BYU Cougar. Signed in 2017. He's only a sophomore.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Second QB/Center exchange issue for #BYU. This one results in a TOD in BYU territory. Arkansas takes over.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
#BYU LB Payton Wilgar was down on the field and needed assistance from trainers. He's in the medical tent.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Payton Wilgar has now left the field with trainers and is heading to the locker room.#ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
6 for 8 on third down now for Arkansas. #BYU defense inability to get off the field is maddening.
They had KJ wrapped up for a sack, he gets away, and the Hogs are now knocking on the door of a double-digit lead. #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
#BYU WR Kody Epps appears to be in pain on the sideline. Walking around gingerly. A trainer is standing next to him.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
The shot that Jaren Hall took at the end of the first half is concerning.
It was unnecessary as well. Hope he’s ok. #BYU #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Halftime from Provo@RazorbackFB – 31@BYUfootball – 21#BYU #GoCougs #ARKvsBYU pic.twitter.com/bHwsKIYjDB
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Third Quarter
Jaren Hall warming up his arm after halftime.#ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball pic.twitter.com/K3tLE8FjNM
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Puka Nacua produces.
📷: Getty Images pic.twitter.com/VwtUyBHdht
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Paydirt for Puka, again. 🤙 #BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYUhttps://t.co/PMDY4UpeOw
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
. @AsapPuka 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jlzme6DvPB
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 15, 2022
Great job by the offense to march the length of the field and get a score.
It’s critical for them to run the football effectively to keep Hall upright and to keep the defense off the field as much as they can. #BYU #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Refs just called a questionable PI on Jakob Robinson. Fans not happy.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Only 33 seconds of game clock passes for Arkansas to answer with a touchdown of their own to open the second half.
Hogs got 30 yards in penalties on the series.
No one was near Matt Landers on the 39-yard TD pass.#ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Beautiful throw from Jaren Hall to playmaker Puka Nacua.
First receiving touchdown of the season for Nacua.#ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball #BYU
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Three TD passes for Jaren Hall 😮 pic.twitter.com/lBjGk2crYm
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
🧢🧢🧢 @AsapPuka#BYU #GoCougs #BYUFOOTBALL #ARKvsBYUhttps://t.co/NaaZCaZPGd
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
#BYU Wide Receiver Puka Nacua this season:
4 games
4 rushing TD
1 receiving TD— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) October 15, 2022
That's a deflating third down conversion conversion by Arkansas. 3rd & 10, #BYU's crowd was loud, and KJ Jefferson drops back with time to find a wide open Ketron Jackson. #ARKvsBYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
3rd & 8 … converted.
That looked like a generous spot from the refs.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Arkansas is 10-of-12 on third down. Brutal for #BYU's defense.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
Arkansas has now scored on seven straight possessions. #BYU's defense has allowed the opposing offense to score in 10 of the last 15 possessions going back to last week's game vs Notre Dame.#BYUFootball l #ARKvsBYU l @KSLSports
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) October 15, 2022
Arkansas scored 43 points in their two previous games.
They've put up 45 in three quarters on the #BYU defense. #BYUFootball
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Fourth Quarter
Raheim "Rocket" Sanders pops off for a 65-yard touchdown run.
That might do it here in Provo.
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
#Arkansas gonna go for 600+ yards in this game, easy. Sitting at 571 total yards with 14:25 left to play.#ARKvsBYU l #BYUFootball
— Sam Farnsworth (@Samsworth_KSL) October 15, 2022
You respect the effort from Puka Nacua, he's doing everything he can to get extra yardage. But the extra fight results in a fumble on 4th & 8. Arkansas recovers. Hogs take over.#ARKvsBYU #BYU #BYUFootball
— Mitch Harper (@Mitch_Harper) October 15, 2022
#BYU fans are heading for the exits here at Lavell Edwards Stadium.
At one point, it seemed like the offense was going to score 60 points. #BYUFootball @kslsports
— Matthew Baiamonte (@baiamontematt) October 15, 2022
Arkansas defeats #BYU 52-35. pic.twitter.com/oOpl8MP54P
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) October 15, 2022
Game Notes
- Today marked only the third time in BYU’s history that the Cougars are hosting an SEC team in Provo. The previous two meetings were against Mississippi State in 2000 and 2016.
- BYU was previously 7-7 all-time against teams in the SEC currently.
- Arkansas ranks 11th in rushing offense, BYU is 100th in rush defense
- BYU’s passing offense is 43rd in the nation; the Arkansas pass defense is 127th nationally, allowing 307.2 yards per game through the air.
- A sell-out crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
- BYU had won their last three games as a home underdog.
- Chocolate Cougar
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
