Quarterback: B-

Bear Bachmeier went just 12-29 through the air for 172 yards, threw two interceptions and coughed up the football late in the game that was fortunately recovered by Cougar offensive lineman Kyle Sfarcioc. But the freshman also galloped for 89 yards on 22 carries, which included the team’s game-tying run into the endzone with just 19 seconds remaining in regulation, on top of his seven-yard scoring run in the double overtime period, which proved to be winning touchdown. Yes, Bachmeier made more mistakes than he has in any game prior, although he managed to prove resilient and carry the Cougars to victory by some gutty play down the stretch.

Running Back: A

LJ Martin may have had the best game of his career, running the ball 25 times for 162 yards and a touchdown. The junior running back proved stout and durable, and also contributed big in pass protection, picking up several key blitzes late to allow Bachmeier more time to operate in the pocket. In all, it’s all but impossible to poke holes in what Martin provided in the win. Yet again there was scant production from any running back not named LJ Martin, though, which could pose a problem in future contests. Preston Rex did impress with a 16-yard reception, but that was pretty much it with regards to contributions from the backup running backs. Still, what Martin managed to provide vaults this team to a perfect grade for their overall performance.

Receivers/Tight Ends: C

Chase Roberts didn’t emerge until late and dropped two notable passes, which could have helped boost the lagging Cougar offensive production. Parker Kingston continues to look better and better with every game played, though, and his 75-yard touchdown reception was certainly a highlight, with the speedster outrunning would-be tacklers for the spectacular scoring play. Tight end Carsen Ryan dropped two early passes and wasn’t a factor, at all, in the passing game for the rest of the contest, although he did provide key blocks. Cody Hagen finished with just two catches for 11 yards, and outside of Kingston’s five receptions for 117 yards, the receiving group was otherwise subpar in the win.

Offensive line: A

I thought this was the BYU offensive line’s best performance of the season, and it’s not really even close. Arizona elected to not stack the box against the run early and the Cougar offensive line showed what it’s capable of in busting open holes early and often. The pass protection was very good throughout and there were relatively few mistakes made by a group that has proved mistake-prone so far this season. Andrew Gentry was particularly good with his run-blocking at his right tackle position and overall it was a big step forward for a unit that came into the season with high expectations.

Defensive line: C-

Where’s the pass rush? The Cougar front continues to lag in its ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita was afforded way too much time to operate in the pocket throughout Saturday’s win. The group sustained a big blow when defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa was ejected from the game due to a targeting penalty, but that’s on Tanuvasa. He has to be smarter than that, and the overall production of the Cougar defensive line suffered, as a result. Seldom-used defensive ends Tausili Akana and Nusi Taumoepeau provided a good boost late and should be afforded more playing time moving forward.

Linebackers: B

Siale Esera had a career game, accounting 16 total tackles and stepped up huge in the wake of Jack Kelly’s absence. Much was expected from Esera prior to the season and on Saturday, he delivered big, making several big tackles while gutting through some minor injury issues. Isaiah Glasker again provided standout plays, and should have been afforded a sack, but was instead flagged for a curious roughing the quarterback penalty, instead. Ace Kaufusi contributed good play as Kelly’s primary replacement and overall the linebacker group proved relatively solid throughout the game.

Defensive backs: B+

The play from the Cougar defensive backs continues to be solid, and they passed their first big test against a prolific Wildcat passing attack well. The group’s execution did lack in certain areas, most notably with cornerback Jayden Dunlap giving up on his coverage during a long touchdown pass, along with some missed tackles. But safety Faletau Satuala continues to emerge as a defensive star, and finished the game with 11 total tackles. Perhaps the most impressive play was provided by starting quarterbacks Evan Johnson, Tre Alexander, and perhaps most notably, Mory Bamba, who had his best game as a Cougar from my perspective.

Special teams: C+

Will Ferrin again missed a field goal, which is unfortunately becoming less and less shocking. Also, the failed fake punt was a big moment in the game and swung momentum sharply toward the Wildcats. The fault for the failed fake punt probably rests mostly on the decision to go for it in the first place, but the failed execution still rests on the special teams unit. Overall, the special teams play didn’t provide any notable advantage for the Cougars, which is a rare thing these days. Ferring did come back to nail a long 45-yard field goal in overtime, boosting the special teams overall grade.

Coaching: B-

The team’s gameplan looked on point initially, but Arizona proved better with the game-time adjustments, particularly after the game’s lengthy game delay. Of course much of it was aided by the bad decision to run a fake punt during a fourth-and-long situation. The offensive play-calling was very good, however, with Aaron Roderick electing to stay with what was working and stay away from gadget plays which could have interrupted the overall flow. It wasn’t the best coaching performance, but it was nonetheless good enough to finish out strong, and most importantly, come away with a tough road win.