Quarterback: B-

Bear Bachmeier was good on Saturday, but fell short of the great game he provided the week prior versus TCU. Operating without injured top wideout Chase Roberts for most of the game, Bachmeier struggled to find rhythm throwing the football and finished with just 15-25 passing for 127 yards. His best work was done on the ground where he added 46 yards on 13 carries. Most importantly he didn’t commit a turnover, although a few of his passes came close. Overall it was a solid, but unspectacular outing from BYU’s standout freshman quarterback.

Running back: A

BYU running back LJ Martin simply carried the entire offense on his back on Saturday, gashing the Bearcats up and down the field for 222 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries while adding 44 more yards on three receptions. The junior running back was fierce and ran as violently as he has at any point of his career. He was found consistently dealing out much more punishment to Cincinnati defenders than he was taking in what is certainly one of the top running back performances you’ve ever seen from a Cougar player.

Receivers/Tight ends: C+

Cincinnati was ripe for the taking, at least on paper, but BYU’s wideouts and tight ends weren’t able to take advantage of any of it for most of the game. Sure, there were some good moments, but overall the group struggled to get open and find consistency with Bachmeier. Parker Kingston did manage seven receptions, but only gained 39 yards overall. Due to Roberts leaving the game early, it provided opportunities for both JoJo Phillips and Cody Hagen to step up big, but neither did and finished with just one reception a piece. Tight end Carsen Ryan finished with just two catches for 16 yards.

Offensive line: A

LJ Martin didn’t do all of his great work by himself, not even close. BYU’s offensive line provided its best run-blocking performance of the season, and it’s not really even close. Holes were busted open throughout the game, leaving Martin with ample opportunity to run through and gain big yardage. The interior line was without the services of Weylin Lapuaho, but everyone responded well, including center Bruce Mitchell and guards Sonny Makisini, Austin Leausa and Kyle Sfarcioc. The entire unit exerted its will considerably on the Bearcat defensive front, and particularly late in the contest.

Defensive line: B+

Overall the defensive line play was solid throughout. Cincinnati was held to just 87 yards rushing and was never able to get into a good rhythm on that end. The pass rush was held in check for most of the game, although the gameplan was to contain Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who finished with just 38 yards rushing on eight carries. BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa again provided good impact from his nose tackle position and seems to be playing his best football late in the season.

Linebackers: B-

It was another very quiet night from BYU’s linebackers. The standout trio of Isaiah Glasker, Jack Kelly and Siale Esera combined for just 11 tackles and none of the three really played a major impact in making standout plays, although Esera did show well during the opening stages of the second half. Both Kelly and Glasker were used extensively to contain Sorsby, cutting down on their respective contributions, but overall it was a relatively average and unspectacular outing by BYU’s linebacking corps.

Cornerbacks/safeties: B-

It’s hard to give a defensive secondary high marks when it gives up 300 yards passing, which is what BYU did in Saturday’s win. Still, the group made big plays when it had to, and Tanner Wall again stepped up to make a big interception. The tackling continues to be solid, and particularly from both Tre Alexander and Evan Johnson on the edges. It was one of the more quiet nights for Cougar safety Faletau Satuala. The play of the game for the BYU defensive backs was made by slot corner Tayvion Beasley, who shed a block effectively to make a good tackle that ultimately led to a big fumble late in the game.

Special teams: B

Little impact was made in the return game, and the punting was relatively average, but Will Ferrin proved solid in kicking through a couple of field goals. The special teams did allow one big return which set up a Cincinnati score, but overall the advantage in special teams play definitely went the Cougar’s way.

Coaches: B+

The offense sputtered out of the gate, but props to Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick for riding LJ Martin throughout his second half play-calling. BYU’s misdirection plays largely seemed poorly-timed, though, which lowers the overall grade. On defense the play-calling was good in limiting Sorsby’s opportunities to run for big yardage and the unit definitely deserves credit for stepping up big during key third-down situations. Again, Defensive Coordinator Jay Hill seemed to have the right play call in critical situations throughout the game.