Quarterback: A

Should I continue to grade Bear Bachmeier on a curve, considering his freshman status? I probably should, but regardless, he proved outstanding yet again in the win. This game was unique in that he couldn’t rely on LJ Martin and the ground game and had to rely on his arm and his ability to beat Iowa State down the field. Well, he did just that, throwing for over 300 yards while targeting top targets Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston frequently. He also proved to play remarkably composed and was central in the Cougar’s remarkable comeback win.

Running Back: C

This is a tough grade, considering Martin’s absence due to injury for most of the game. But BYU desperately needs a running back behind Martin to step up and no one really did on Saturday. Sure, Preston Rex had some nice moments, but they were far and in between. Overall the Cougar running backs, other than Martin, ran for just 27 yards on nine carries and certainly need to step up more in the event that Martin misses time moving forward

Receivers/Tight Ends: A-

Saturday marked the best combined performance from standouts Roberts and Kingston. No, the receivers weren’t perfect, but they had to be the focus of the offense after Martin went down with injury, and they responded well, making plays down the field and providing several key conversions during third down situations. It was an otherwise quiet game receiving for tight end Carsen Ryan, but he again did his best work providing protection for Bachmeier.

Offensive line: B-

It was a decent performance by BYU’s offensive front, although it certainly wasn’t a dominating one. Overall the line play was solid, but far from the great performance set forth last week in a win over Utah. Generally the unit provided good enough pass protection to beat Iowa State down the field, but the run-blocking was lacking in opening holes even when Martin was available early in the game. The unit receives a boost to its overall grade due to the lack of significant holding and procedure penalties incurred.

Defensive line: B

Take away the first quarter performance from the defensive line and the group would receive a solid A grade. Logan Lutui was again a standout while Bodie Schoonover had his best game as a Cougar in recording two big sacks during the second half. BYU’s exciting young defensive ends proved big late and overall the unit’s play improved markedly throughout the contest. Still, the way the unit was gashed initially is cause for some concern moving forward in Big 12 Conference play.

Linebackers: B-

There’s perhaps no player who finished Saturday’s game more in need of a bye week than outside linebacker Isaiah Glasker. The standout junior is noticeably hobbled and lacks the burst he’s shown throughout his career and the group’s performance is suffering, a bit, as a result. Props to Glasker for gutting through whatever his ailments are, however. The unit missed Siale Esera’s presence after he exited the game with injury. Max Alford struggled in replacing Esera initially, but did settle in and provide some good moments as the Cougars rolled during second half play.

Defensive backs: B-

Evan Johnson’s tackling continues to impress and Faletau Satuala receives high marks for his team-leading 10 tackles and game-sealing pick-6. But Satuala certainly gets docked for getting toasted in coverage during the game’s first play from scrimmage and Johnson likewise for showing way too early on a corner blitz. The unit did provide enough key plays to contribute well the the win, however, although giving up 311 yards through the air certainly calls for some downgrade.

Special teams: B+

Will Ferrin kicking two balls out-of-bounds was bizarre to watch, and punter Sam Vander Haar didn’t provide much distance on his punts, but special teams again played big in the final outcome. Mory Bamba effectively danced around a bouncing ball on a punt before pouncing on it to make a very necessary turnover in BYU’s comeback effort. Ferrin proved true on his two field goal attempts and overall the Cougars again forged an advantage with their special teams play.

Coaching: A-

BYU coaches had one less week to prepare than the coaches in Iowa State’s booth, and it showed. But true to form, the adjustments made throughout the game were exceptional, and perhaps particularly on the defensive side of the football. On offense Aaron Roderick continues to coordinate at a high level and adjusted the gameplan very well in the wake of Martin’s absence. Roderick is having his best year with his typical critics proving relatively quiet this season, and for good reason.