Quarterback: A-

No, Bear Bachmeier wasn’t perfect with his overall performance although he was very close to it. As is often the case with Bachmeier, his passing numbers didn’t overwhelm, but proved remarkably efficient with his tossing of three touchdowns against no interceptions.

Overall the sophomore signal-caller went 16-26 through the air for 198 while rushing for 47 yards and a touchdown on six carries. Bachmeier proved most effective when he needed to make key plays to extend drives in what was a very hard-fought win versus the Wildcats. He also threw perhaps the best deep pass of his young career when completing a 61-yard bomb to speedy freshman Legend Glasker.

Running back: B+

Don’t blame LJ Martin for rushing for just under 100 yards on Saturday. He didn’t really have the opportunity. Well, the senior did receive 20 handoffs, and accumulated 98 yards with those carries, but somewhat surprisingly was only afforded four totes of the football for the entire first half.

But once again Martin proved the ultimate backfield luxury, running hard and effectively during the game’s latter stages to put the win on ice. Preston Rex also showed well in relief, providing 11 yards with his single carry and a nifty 8-yard reception that proved critical in extending a touchdown drive.

Receivers/Tight ends: B+

Kyler Kasper was the story with the receivers, establishing himself as Bachmeier’s go-to guy, and especially in the redzone in providing two touchdown receptions. The 6-foot-6 Oregon transfer proved a problem for the Arizona defense and should require a lot more attention from opposing secondaries moving forward.

It’s early, but freshman Legend Glasker appears to be the team’s big-play receiver while at tight end, Walker Lyons again proved a consistent and reliable option although Roger Saleapaga dropped his opportunity to haul in a big-gainer. Jojo Phillips was quiet throughout, and did drop a tough pass during the second half of play. Overall the group was productive and dangerous during key stretches.

Offensive line: C

Saturday wasn’t the best overall performance for BYU’s offensive front. Way too many penalties, particularly during the first half of play, on top of missed assignments overall dampened the team’s overall production.

Like most of the team, however, the group stepped forward big in the second half and busted through to create good running lanes for Martin and others. The protection of Bachmeier was solid throughout, which boosts the group’s grade. But overall there’s a lot to improve on for a unit capable of better overall play than it set forth on Saturday.

Defensive line: B

If the grade was solely handed out to defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa, then it would be a definite perfect A-grade. The senior defensive tackle had perhaps his best overall outing since transferring from Utah, wrecking general havoc all game long, but particularly during the second half.

Other defensive linemen were relatively quiet, however, and didn’t pose the type of pass rush needed to keep Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita in check, although everyone’s performance saw a marked uptick in production during the game’s final thirty minutes.

Linebackers: B-

On too many occasions linebackers were found trailing ball-carries in the flat and elsewhere as Arizona seemed to be a step ahead throughout the first half of play. Nusi Taumoepeau didn’t make much of any impact during his first opportunity to serve as a starter although Tausili Akana proved very disruptive with his pass rush on the other side of the line, providing 2.5 tackles in what could prove to be a breakout game for the highly-graded Texas transfer.

Cade Uluave provided a big game-changer with his interception, which was aided considerably by Isaiah Glasker’s hurry. Overall, however, it was a somewhat mediocre performance from the group overall.

Defensive backs: C+

BYU struggled a lot with its backend coverage one week after senior starter Raider Damuni went down with injury. Tommy Prassas was tested a lot in Damuni’s stead with mixed results. The cornerback coverage was relatively solid, although defending against Fifita can prove a very tough prospect for anyone, and particularly without much of any pressure to force him into making inaccurate throws and decisions.

Boosting the overall grade of the group was nickel corner Cannon DeVries, who had what was arguably the biggest defensive play of the game with his solid tackle during a critical 4th-down situation late. Mississippi State transfer Jayven Williams also proved effective when spelling Tre Alexander.

Special teams: B+

BYU didn’t provide much in the return game, but punter Fuller Shurtz didn’t allow Arizona much opportunity with his high and effective punting. Overall Shurtz had five punts for a 46 yard average. While BYU didn’t gain a big advantage in special teams play, the units did nothing to diminish the team’s overall play with solid execution provided in all areas.

Coaching: B-

For whatever reason, Arizona came out much better prepared then the Cougars, and at least some it had to do with game preparation and scheming. One particular negative mark was the lack of rushing attempts throughout a first half where BYU’s offense had trouble sustaining drives, which aided to the defense having to be on the field for way too much of the time.

But then, as it often has for BYU, things changed dramatically throughout the second half of play. Once again the Cougar staff proved very adept in making key adjustments after a much-to-sluggish start of the game.