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BYU-Wyoming football grades: Defense leads but offense gets better marks

By Jared Lloyd - | Sep 15, 2024

Jaren Wilkey, BYU Photo

BYU defenders make a tackle during the non-conference game against Wyoming in Laramie on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024.

BYU football beat writer Jared Lloyd gives his grades for the Cougar position units and coaches for Saturday’s game against Wyoming at War Memorial Stadium in Laramie:

Quarterback

Jake Reztlaff’s numbers look pretty good as he went 22-of-36 through the air for 292 yards with three touchdowns and an interception while adding 62 yards rushing on six carries. But there were definitely still some consistency issues as he had some missed opportunities as well. Still, this was a good showing overall.

Grade: A-

Running back

BYU had a running-back-by-committee approach with Miles Davis, Pokaiaua Haunga and Sione I. Moa all getting a few opportunities. No one was brilliant in limited action (Haunga led the way with 46 total yards) but this unit was OK. The blocking in the backfield gave the pass game extra time on a number of plays.

Grade: B

Wide receivers/tight ends

Chase Roberts put up monster numbers against Wyoming for the second time in three years, with six catches for 129 yards against some pretty good coverage. Keanu Hill, Darius Lassiter and Kody Epps all scored TDs and there weren’t many drops.

Grade: A-

Offensive line

The Cowboys wanted to stuff BYU’s run game and were moderately successful as the Cougars only gained 145 yards on the ground. But the BYU pass blocking did well for most of the game not allowing a single sack and no official quarterback hurries.

Grade: B+

Defensive line

The Cougars held Wyoming to 77 yards rushing and much of the credit for that goes to the BYU defensive front. They consistently tied up blockers at the point of attack and made plays, while also getting some decent pressure on the Cowboy backfield.

Grade: A

Linebackers

Jack Kelly had another sack, while Isaiah Glasker and Harrison Taggart each added tackles for a loss. This group did well in filling gaps and dropping in coverage, keeping the Wyoming offense from getting into rhythm.

Grade: A

Secondary

Evan Johnson came up with his first career interception as part of a good effort from the Cougar defensive backfield. Wyoming finished with 14 completions for 140 yards through the air, but a couple of BYU penalties allowed the Cowboys to get 14 points. They also had some Wyoming receivers get open, only to benefit from having the pass be off-target.

Grade: A-

Special teams

Keelan Marion’s big kickoff return was the highlight of the game and raised the grade for this group (eliminating the drop from his disappointing earlier return). BYU did have one shanked punt, but other than that everyone did their jobs. Coverage was good and Will Ferrin hit both of his field goal attempts.

Grade: A

Coaching

BYU still hasn’t gotten quite to the point of clicking on everything, but the Cougars are getting closer. Kalani Sitake and his staff made sure BYU didn’t overlook the struggling Cowboys, while Jay Hill had his defense well-prepared to face Wyoming’s attack. The staff is just needing more consistency on offense.

Grade: B+

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