Provo • BYU’s defense simply looked lost.
It had no answers as Arkansas amassed over 640 yards of offense, piled in seven touchdowns and averaged nearly eight yards per play.
It led to the the Razorbacks downing BYU 52-35 at LaVell Edwards Stadium despite BYU’s offense putting up its best effort of the season.
Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson finished 29 of 40 for 367 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Raheim Sanders racked up 175 yards rushing, including a 64-yard score in the fourth quarter that gave Arkansas a lasting three-possession lead. The visitors had over 200 yards rushing and 300 yards passing.
BYU’s offense kept the Cougars within arms reach for three quarters as Jaren Hall finished with 356 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Puka Nacua added three scores of his own.
However, even Hall’s production could not keep up with Arkansas’ eight straight scoring drives. BYU’s defense did not get a stop from 10:36 mark in the first quarter until the final drive of the game.
Halftime: Arkansas 31, BYU 21
Late mistakes have the Cougars trailing by double digits as they head into halftime.
BYU led by 21-17 with just over 5 minutes to play in the half. The Cougars opted to go for it on a fourth-and-1 on their own 34, and fumbled the snap. Four plays later, Arkansas had a touchdown and the lead.
But it would get worse from there. Jaren Hall was picked off on the ensuing drive. That might not have cost the Cougars too much, if not for this play, which helped set up yet another Razorback TD.
Jaren Hall warming up, multiple playmakers out
Quarterback Jaren Hall has been battling a shoulder injury since the Utah State game and played hurt last week. He took some throws in warmups but spent much of his time stretching his shoulder like last week.
Other key playmakers have been ruled out by Kalani Sitake on his radio interview before the game. Running backs Lopini Katoa (concussion) and Miles Davis (shin) will not play. Wide receiver Gunner Romney is also out after taking a hit against Notre Dame.
Wide receiver Chase Roberts, however, will play after spending the last three weeks on the sideline with a hip injury.
Pregame reading
• The most important story this week has revolved around the health of quarterback Jaren Hall. He hurt his shoulder against Utah State two weeks ago and played injured against Notre Dame. We received more clarity on his status and the lead-up to the game in Las Vegas, where the starter did not practice.
• Arkansas could be a worst case scenario for BYU’s defensive unit this week. The one thing BYU hasn’t been able to do is stop the run and get off the field on third down. The one thing Arkansas likes to do, more than any Power Five, is run the football. Defensive coordinator Iliasa Tuiaki said the defense has to find a way to put a “good product on the field.” We will see if there is any change.
• BYU’s calling card has been slow starts. It has cost them two games against Oregon and Notre Dame. What has been BYU’s response? Oddly enough, it has been lifting earlier in the day. More on that here.
• It was the halfway point of the season this week, we took a look at the preseason storylines and matched them with on-field reality after two months.
• If you want more unpacking of BYU’s slow starts, we went in depth on what the defense and offense has done to contribute to them. Kalani Sitake also gave his take on a issues he feels like shouldn’t be happening six games into the season.
• It is Week 7, but many people are still talking about the final offensive play against Notre Dame when BYU had a chance to tie it. We unpacked the options at the offensive disposal and what went into the play call to run it with Lopini Katoa.
