Quarterback: A

What Bear Bachmeier is doing as a true freshman is absolutely phenomenal, and he reached new heights with his composure and playmaking in the win over the Utes. No, his numbers won’t wow most people, given his 13-22 passing for 166 yards on top of his 64 yards rushing on 11 carries. But his ability to make huge plays when it matters most again puts him over-the-top and boosts his marks to the highest grade possible. His touchdown throw to Chase Roberts, his extraordinary 22-yard touchdown run, on top of several others will etch his name in BYU-Utah rivalry lore forever, and it’s richly deserved.

Running Back: A-

LJ Martin was superb. He provided a steady presence in the Cougar backfield and was allotted 26 carries, which he turned into 122 yards. He also made a huge catch on a third-down situation in the second half to extend a drive. Martin has been exemplary with both his leadership and overall ability throughout the season and contributed the type of game you’d expect in the win. Not much was seen from BYU’s other running backs, although Preston Rex did have one carry for a couple of yards, but that was it. Granted that Martin has proved durable in handling his extraordinary load this season.

Receivers/Tight Ends: B

There was some drops, most notably from Parker Kingston early in the second half, but overall the group did make plays when they had to. Chase Roberts had two consecutive big catches that led to the first BYU touchdown scored and tight end Carsen Ryan made several big grabs in the second half. Ryan, who transferred from Utah to BYU in the offseason, finished with four catches for 36 yards in what was one of his best performances this season. Kingston proved solid beyond his one drop, and finished with four receptions for 50 yards. No other receiver contributed to the stat ledger.

Offensive line: B

There were some notable gaffes in pass protection early on, but those were largely addressed as the game wore on. What boosts the unit’s grade substantially was the push it provided, particularly when running inside zone. The group’s best moment was when they pushed Bachmeier into the endzone from about three yards out. Overall it wasn’t perfect, and the pass protection issues do need to be addressed, but the group owned the line of scrimmage, for the most part, and that proved huge in the final outcome.

Defensive line: B

BYU’s defensive front proved stout in defending inside zone, and did prove remarkably effective in providing enough of a pass rush to make Utah quarterback Devon Dampier uncomfortable during key junctures. Young defensive ends Nusi Taumoepeau and Tausili Akana were used extensively, and proved very capable when called upon. Defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa contributed big, and accounted for a tackle that held Utah short in a critical fourth-and-3 situation.

Linebackers: C+

BYU’s linebackers didn’t have their best outing. Siale Esera missed some big tackles early a week after his career game in the Cougar’s win over Arizona, and the tackling overall left a lot to be desired. Also, Utah’s ability to gash the edge of the defense with jet sweeps to Daniel Bray certainly lowers the group’s overall mark. Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly were both notably playing at less than 100 percent, although both of them did gut through to help contribute heavily to limiting Utah’s offense enough to pull out the win.

Defensive backs: B

BYU’s defensive backs were very good, for the most part. They did get flagged from some critical defensive PIs, and did show some coverage gaffes that led to some big plays yielded to the Utes, especially during the first half. But Tanner Wall made a huge interception late and the rest of the group limited Utah’s long gains throughout. Strong tackles were made again by both Mory Bamba and Therrian Alexander in the open field, boosting the group’s overall score.

Special teams: A-

BYU won the special teams battle and Talan Alfrey recovering a fumbled punt proved pivotal in the final outcome while halting growing Utah momentum entering the half. Will Ferrin proved true on his one field goal attempt and the overall kick and punt coverage was solid, as were punter Sam Vander Haar’s five punts for a 42.5 average while pinning the Utes inside the 20 yard line on two occasions.

Coaching: B+

Utah appeared to have the coaching edge at the beginning, running several offensive sets which clearly confused BYU’s coverages. But the defense adjusted well and put forth a brilliant scheme to keep Dampier in check for most of the game. Offensive Coordinator Aaron Roderick again called a stellar game. Roderick understands this offense better than anyone, and made calls in the second half that exemplified BYU’s strengths and provided enough points to get the win at the end.