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BYU-South Florida football grades: Cougars excel in first test of 2022

By Jared Lloyd - | Sep 4, 2022

Jaren WIlkey, BYU Photo

BYU defenders make a tackle during the game against South Florida played at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd gives his grades for the Cougar position units and coaches for Saturday’s game against South Florida at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa:

Quarterback

Other than one really bad throw where he failed to spot a safety in the end zone, Jaren Hall was excellent at both making plays and protecting the ball. He finished 25-of-32 through the air for 262 yards and two TDs with the pick, while also gaining 17 yards on the ground.

Grade: A-

Running back

Both Chris Brooks (13 carries for 135 yards and one TD) Lopini Katoa (10 carries, 55 yards) had moments where they shined. BYU also got decent play from Miles Davis and Jackson McChesney in limited roles. This unit did its job well overall.

Grade: A

Wide receivers/tight ends

Puka Nacua was the early star, scoring a pair of touchdowns on jet sweeps to start lighting up the scoreboard. He left the game after getting hit but the rest of the group was ready to make plays. Keanu Hill and Dallin Holker had TD catches but one of their biggest contributions was good blocking downfield to spring big runs.

Grade: A

Offensive line

These athletes had added challenges because South Florida was trying to stop the run but the unit still opened up a lot of holes (314 yards on the ground). Although the Bulls got pressure occasionally and were able to get some short-yardage stops, the line basically imposed its will throughout the game.

Grade: A

Defensive line

This was a question mark coming in, since the Bulls had some good backs and a decent line to work with. South Florida did get 121 yards on the ground while surrendering just one official sack but for the most part BYU’s front did its job. A couple of its players got a little banged up, so health might be a slight concern preparing for next week.

Grade: A-

Linebackers

The leadership and experience of this unit was key throughout the game as the Cougars limited missed tackles and in doing so kept the USF offense in check. Max Tooley had the highlight-reel play with the interception for a touchdown, but a couple of BYU linebackers probably which they had another shot and some of the plays they missed.

Grade: A

Secondary

BYU did surrender a 50-yard pass to set up the first Bull touchdown and gave up a couple of plays on the final USF score, but they also made some nice plays on the ball and were often in pretty good position. Since the Cougars played quite a bit of man defense, that’s a good sign that BYU defensive backs can handle that pressure.

Grade: B+

Special teams

While Jake Oldroyd hit both of his field goals and Ryan Rehkow’s only punt pinned South Florida on its own 5-yard line, this was probably the unit that struggled most visibly because of what happened in the kickoff return game. BYU had a couple of early successes in keeping the Bulls short of the 25-yard line but USF then started breaking big returns. The home team got an 89-yard return for a score and set up another TD when a good return was compounded by a late-hit penalty. The Cougars might have to change their approach moving forward.

Grade: C-

Coaching

BYU was prepared and confident, even in the face of a lengthy lightning delay. The Cougar coaches on both sides of the ball as well as the support staff all did their jobs to give the athletes the best chances to make plays — and it paid huge dividends. Some decisions could be nit-picked but the outcome certainly spoke for itself.

Grade: A

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