Quarterback: A-

The only thing holding Bear Bachmeier from a perfect grade was the ill-advised interception thrown inside the redzone which helped turn the tide back toward the Yellowjackets. Fortunately, for Bachmeier and BYU, it was pretty much the only thing he did wrong for the entire game. Bachmeier finished with 27-38 passing for 325 yards, one touchdown and the aforementioned interception. He also ran the ball just one time, other than his converted 2-point conversion in what may be the more significant stat. Bachmeier’s ankle limited pretty much made him one-dimensional yet he dealt with it, adjusted his play effectively and proved extremely effective as a pocket-passer. All factors considered, it may have been Bachmeier’s best performance of his remarkable true freshman season.

Running back: B-

The drop-off from LJ Martin was at least as big as most were anticipating, with BYU unable to pose much semblance of an effective ground game for the better part of the game. Fortunately both Enoch Nawahine and Jovesa Damuni settled in and provided some big-time plays when BYU needed it most. For Nawahine, he finished with just 32 yards on 10 carries, but bowled his way into the endzone late to cut Georgia Tech’s lead to 21-18. Damuni, meanwhile, gained 48 yards on seven carries and provided what proved to be the game-winning touchdown. Overall, it was about as well as one could expect from a running back corps without the services of Martin.

Receivers/Tight ends: A

It’s hard to poke any holes in the collective performance of BYU’s receivers and tight ends. Due to the anticipated deficiencies in the run game, the onus was on this group to step up big time, and they all did, collectively. the standout was tight end Carsen Ryan, who provided the best game of his career and hauled in eight receptions for 120 yards. Chase Roberts led the wideouts with seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown with Parker Kingston adding five for 76 yards and Jojo Phillips four for 53 yards, respectively.

Offensive line: B+

Georgia Tech brought the house in blitz packages throughout the game and the Cougar offensive line largely performed admirably in picking up the extra pass rushers. The OL also proved more effective in busting open holes as the game wore on, and particularly on the right side where tackle Andrew Gentry resides. Austin Leausa deserves particular praise for filling in effectively for Isaiah Jatta at left tackle.

Defensive line: B+

The defensive line play improved a lot throughout the season and the unit was again very good in the bowl win. Both John Taumoepeau and Keanu Tanuvasa proved very effective stuffing runs up the middle and eating up blocks for the defensive edges and linebackers to operate. Bodie Schoonover continues to make big improvements and overall the unit performed as needed in limiting Georgia Tech’s otherwise prolific offensive unit.

Linebackers: C

Too many missed tackles and lack of contain leads this group to an otherwise subpar grade. The group had to make do without standout outside linebacker Jack Kelly, which undoubtedly hurt the group’s overall performance, but Nusi Taumoepeau filled in effectively and ended tied with the team lead in tackles with six. Even so, the group didn’t make enough plays, but like the rest of the defense, adjusted and finished strong in the second half.

Defensive backs: B-

Again, the group proved much better in the second half after what was a pretty brutal first half performance. The slot corner position was especially lacking before the defensive coaching staff largely rested on Tayvion Beasley to get the job done, and he largely responded. Missed tackles hurt the unit’s overall grade, along with getting beat during too many critical situations. But the group did manage to settle in and Evan Johnson effectively wrapped up the win with an interception in the endzone a few plays after getting beat on a 4th-and-15 pass down the field for big yardage.

Special teams: B-

The muffed kickoff return from Cody Hagen turned the game on its ear and could have proved to be one of the more costly turnovers on the season had the team not effectively rallied for the comeback win. Other than that, however, was solid play throughout with Parker Kingston returning punts effectively and Will Ferrin converting on his one field goal attempt. Sam Vander Haar responded well in pinning the Yellowjackets keep and kick coverage was good throughout.

Coaching: B

BYU didn’t look motivated to play at the outset, an aspect that has plagued the team throughout the year. Georgia Tech seemed to have a beat on what the Cougars were doing early and it played big in creating a 21-10 holes for BYU to overcome. But once again adjustments were made the team proved to be at its best to close things out.