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AUSTIN, TEXAS -- The BYU Cougars dominated the first half on both sides of the ball on the road in Austin, Texas. Then the wheels came off in the second half and the Cougars let the game slip away.
How did the offense, defense and special teams do? Here are our grades.
Quarterbacks: C+
This week started off very promising for Jake Heaps who was firing the ball in accurately and efficiently, spreading the ball all around his receiving core. The first half Heaps tossed for 153 Yards, the touchdown obviously was the climax of his performance but compare that to the second half where he threw for 39 yards and another 2 interceptions. Heaps is finding more of his groove but has to put together two halves for wins, yards and touchdowns to be a part of his game.
Running backs/Fullbacks: D
The running backs might be the most disappointing on a day like today when attacking the line of scrimmage and establishing some dominance to open up that passing game. 23 carries for 43 yards gives you a 1.9 yards a carry and does not get it done. Not sure where all the running backs that BYU has on the roster went but they are in desperate need of getting that part of the Cougar offense going.
Wide receivers/Tight ends: C
first half caught the balls sent their way by their QB and ran crisp routes. The second half a couple of drops but their performance was marred by a lot of 3-and-outs where they were not given good looks at the football.
Offensive line: C
#box
The front line protected Jake Heaps and did get good pushes at the line of scrimmage. However, the lack of running game is won in the trenches where the Oline didn't do a good job of getting to the linebackers to stop that second level from making stop after stop. Overall Offense- D The second half was lost by the offenses lack of ability to execute the plays called. Texas responded and hit back and stopped BYU in almost every shot at scores/first downs etc. The first half produced a lot of yards but also couldn't capitalize getting deep into Texas territory.
Overall offense: C
Too many missed opportunities and too points left off the scoreboard to give this offense anything better than a C. This group, while relatively young, has too much talent and playmaking ability to only put up 23 points in two games.
Defensive line: B
So much of this game was a mixed bag for the front seven. The BYU defense looked dominating in the first half. It got pressure on the Texas quarterbacks and stuffed the run. You have to question how much fatigue played a factor in high 90s heat. Fuga, Fangupo and Manumaleuna all made plays at different times.
Linebackers: B
The linebackers get the same grade as the defensive line. What was lacking was a game-changing play or two that could have won the game for the Y. That's not going to happen every week, however. Spencer Hadley played well in the absence of Brandon Ogletree (lingering effects of a concussion). Kyle Van Noy was in the backfield making plays several times.
Secondary: A-
Overall Defense: B
The defense played well enough for a win. As with Ole Miss, the front seven stifled the Texas ground game early. In the second half, with the offense not producing, the BYU D appeared to tire and running back Malcolm Brown simply made some solid plays for the Longhorns. The Y ended up giving up 166 yards rushing on 43 carries for the game. That's a 3.9 avg., which is passable. Texas OC Bryan Harsin did a good job in the second half keeping BYU off-balance. The defense produced two Garrett Gilbert interceptions, and the front seven generally harassed the rotating Texas QBs.
Special Teams: A
Once again, the coverages were solid for BYU. The Cougars frequently left the Horns starting drives deep in their own territory. After a sketch start to the season, Justin Sorensen played better. He nailed three field goals he should make - from 30, 33 and 32 yards.
Overall grade: B-
BYU fans will look back at this game, and simply question what if. What if BYU got touchdowns instead of field goals in the first quarter? What if BYU threw on 3rd and nine deep in their own territory in the 4th quarter rather than run a vintage Norm Chow 3rd down draw play?
What if a few BYU passes were to the marker rather than three yards short? Certainly, the BYU offense will have to find answers to those questions. Likely, they can be chalked up to a combination of Brandon Doman's inexperience as an offensive coordinator, and the learning process for Jake Heaps.
At times in the first Half, Heaps showed the brilliance BYU fans had been expecting. He finished 22/38 for 192 yds, a touchdown and two INTs.
Another answer Doman will have to find is how to improve the production of the ground game. Give the Texas defense a lot of credit for stifling the run, but BYU's offensive line and running backs are capable of doing better than 43 yards on 23 carries - even against the Longhorns.
Ross Apo once again showed he is a force to be reckoned with on offense. He only had 40 yards and a score on three receptions, but he was frequently double-teamed down field. It won't be long before he is producing big plays over the top.
As for the defense, it played well enough to come away with a victory. The D held Texas to 4 of 12 3rd down conversions and 289 yards of offense. Texas appeared to energize its ground game in the second half en route to 166 yards on 43 carries. Malcolm Brown made plays. However, it also appeared that the defense lagged after lengthy stays on the field due to the offense's inability to produce.
A lot of fans will bemoan choking away a 13-0 lead on the road. Texas is a difficult venue to win a game. The defense played solid. The offense will improve, but it must have a good game next week to notch a win at home against rival Utah.
Email: aadams@ksl.com and akirry@ksl.com
