Helmet Stickers for BYU's 14-0 Win Over Sam Houston State

Jakob Robinson is deserving of a dozen helmet stickers. Robinson played the best game by a BYU cornerback in many years. He finished with two interceptions: one in the endzone that prevented a touchdown and another one-handed interception. Robinson was in position for a third interception before Malik Moore stepped in front and attempted to intercept the pass himself.

Robinson also finished with five total tackles.

Robinson was the best player on the field on Saturday night.

3. The BYU Cornerbacks

BYU primarily played three cornerbacks: Jakob Robinson (who we already awarded one dozen helmet stickers), Eddie Heckard, and Kamden Garrett. The BYU cornerbacks dominated this game. Not only were they great in coverage, they were excellent tacklers in the open field.

Heckard ended the game with an interception late in the fourth quarter (picture above). It was a fitting end to a dominant defensive performance.

4. LJ Martin - Running Back

With four minutes left in the third quarter, BYU was holding on to a 7-0 lead. The Cougars got the ball at their own 37 yard-line and LJ Martin entered the game. He proved to be the spark the BYU offense was desperately looking for.

Aaron Roderick dialed up four consecutive runs for the true freshman - he totaled 21 yards on those four plays. Later on the same drive, BYU had a 4th & 1 from the Sam Houston 26 yard-line - he ran for seven yards and a first down. BYU went on to score a touchdown that drive after Martin ran for eight more yards to the one yard-line. Martin finished with 91 carries on 16 attempts, a team high.

Martin received praise throughout Fall camp. Roderick even named him one of the best players on the team as a true freshman. In his first career game, Martin appeared more than deserving of the preseason recognition.

5. Ryan Rehkow - Punter

Given BYU's struggles on offense, punter Ryan Rehkow played an important role in the game. Rehkow was incredible, averaging 53.2 yards per punt on 9 punts. Four of the nine punts landed inside the opposing 20 yard-line.

Rehkow allowed BYU to gain field position even when the offense wasn't moving the football.

6. Marcus McKenzie - Special Teams

True freshman defensive back Marcus McKenzie received a lot of praise from Jay Hill during Fall camp. On Saturday night, McKenzie made his college football debut as the gunner on the punt team. McKenzie flashed the track speed that made him a coveted recruit in high school. Marcus, the son of former BYU great Brian McKenzie, was the first player to the punt returner on nearly every punt. He had two tackles on punt return including one perfectly-timed hit as soon as the returner caught the ball. He was also inches away from recovering a muffed punt.

In a game where field position mattered, McKenzie made a material difference on the game.

7. The Veteran Linebackers

BYU veteran linebackers Ben Bywater and Max Tooley led the Cougars with nine tackles each. Fellow starter AJ Vongphachanh had five tackles as well. The veteran core of linebackers were physical, disruptive against the run, and deserving of helmet stickers.

For the first time in nine years