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PROVO, Utah -- OVERALL: C
BYU's at times performed well enough to beat a Top Ten team - which Oregon State was in the AP Poll heading into the game - but the Cougars ultimately were outclassed by a Beavers squad that played worthy of its lofty ranking. What was perhaps most disappointing was the BYU defense's performance. The Cougar "D" had performed like a Top Ten squad all season, but was exploited for 450 yards and didn't make enough stops when it counted.
Offense: C
The Cougar offense looked the best it had in weeks (386 total yards, 305 yards passing) in terms of production against a quality opponent, however turnovers (3) and weak line play were the differences in the game. The Cougars struggled to 81 yards rushing on 33 carries (2.5 ypc), albeit it was against what was the fourth-ranked rush defense entering the game.
Quarterback: C
Riley Nelson made a lot of plays and for most of the game moved the team on lengthy drives. His traditional deficiencies once again surfaced, as he threw 3 interceptions to go along with his 305 yards passing and a touchdown. Nelson attempted 51 passes, which are too many for a non-traditional passing quarterback. Nelson did appear to be physically 100-percent, and he mounted some nice runs. He finished with 13 carries for 29 yards, but his rushing total was impaired by sacks.
Running Backs: B
Though the running game production was not fitting of a "B" grade, it had more to do with the performance of the offensive line. Jamaal Williams showed what his potential is in the open field, taking a shovel pass and a dump-off pass long distances in the second half. He finished with 15 carries for 36 yards (2.4 ypc) and 2 touchdowns. He recorded 4 receptions for 76 yards and once again illustrated why he should have the ball in his hands more.
Receivers: B+
Cody Hoffman finished with 10 catches for 102 yards and showed once again why he is BYU's top offensive weapon. He is incredibly consistent. Kaneakua Friel, Devin Mahina and Richard Wilson combined for 7 catches for 65 yards. That is encouraging production. Ross Apo had 3 catches for 23 yards, after once again having most balls thrown at his feet.
Offensive Line: D+
If there is a positive, it's that the offensive line is consistent. It routinely struggles almost week-in and week-out, and this week was no exception. Nelson was often forced to run for his life, and the lack of push from the line is probably the reason Brandon Doman was forced to call 51 passing plays. Jamaal Williams could be a 1,000 yard rusher easily in a full season and with adequate run blocking, but not with this line. He averaged 2.4 yards per carry.
Defense: C-
Based on production, BYU could have earned a lower grade on defense, but a lot in this game had to do with the quality of the Beaver offensive attack. Though Oregon State was playing with a backup quarterback, Cody Vaz still passed for 332 yards and 3 touchdowns thanks to outstanding offensive line play and great wide receivers. Brandin Cooks exploited BYU to the tune of 173 yards on 8 catches, and was often caught in mismatches with linebackers. The Cougars' run defense was adequate, giving up 118 yards, but this was nowhere near the strong expected from the BYU defense and the Cougars get their lowest defensive grades of the year to this point.
Defensive Line: C-
Bronson Kaufusi, Ezekiel Ansah and others recorded some pass deflections, but the defensive line was ultimately lost amid the strong Oregon State offensive line play. The Cougars seldom got solid pressure on Vaz. The OSU ground attack averaged 4.2 yards per carry and broke off some disappointingly long runs.
Linebackers: C
Kyle Van Noy registered a sack. The Cougar linebackers several times were caught in mismatches against faster Oregon State receivers. There have been better days for this unit this season, and there will be better days the rest of the year.
Secondary: D
This unit was exploited for the first time this season. Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks routinely made it look easy against BYU defenders. Additionally, pass interference penalties at key times led to Oregon State icing the game in the 4th quarter. Jordan Johnson was beaten badly by Wheaton several times. It's not so much that Johnson is suddenly a weak defender. Wheaton was that good. Still, based on production - or lack thereof - the secondary's grade suffers mightily this week.
Special Teams: B-
Riley Stephenson averaged 46.8 yards a punt, but didn't seem to have his best game. He did land two punts inside the 20. Justin Sorensen nailed his only field goal attempt of the game, a 35 yarder. Joe Sampson made some poor choices deciding to take the ball out on kick returns, when he probably should have taken a knee in the end zone instead.
