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OVERALL: C+ Heading in, the game seemed ripe for BYU's taking. Utah was reeling with a loss in Logan to Utah State, Jordan Wynn ending his football career, Brian Blechen serving game 3 of his suspension, and John White and Eric Rowe out with injuries. The BYU defense - as expected - played well enough for a Cougar win, but the offense fizzled with penalties, jitters and soft line play. Additionally, two turnovers put BYU in a hole it ultimately couldn't overcome.
OFFENSE: C-
BYU only tallied 303 yards of offense, including 98 yards on a whopping 41 carries (2.4 ypc). The yardage total wasn't so much the problem as the turnovers and the frequent false start and delay of game penalties. BYU also had a few fumbles that it was fortunate not to lose.
QUARTERBACK: C
Riley Nelson was hounded by the talented Utah defensive line, and he finished 17/35 for 205 yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception. His numbers were bolstered considerably by a long pass to Cody yards.
RUNNING BACKS: C
To be fair, the running backs' output was due largely to the offensive line play, but the backs didn't really make any game-changing plays either. Mike Alisa finished with a solid but unspectacular 56 yards on 15 carries. Jamaal Williams showed some nice burst and offered BYU fans hope for the future with his first touchdown as a Cougar. He ended the day with 28 yards on 7 carries. Cougar ball handlers in general didn't seem to have the steadiest hands in this game.
RECEIVERS: B
Cody Hoffman once again showed why he is BYU's most valued playmaker. He finished with 8 catches for 118 yards and a touchdown, including the previously mentioned long reception on the final drive. Kaneakua Friel continues to be a solid option at tight end, finishing with 5 catches for 65 yards and a touchdown.
OFFENSIVE LINE: D
The offensive line's apparent inability to provide solid protection for Riley Nelson and a push for the ground attack cost BYU. Running backs were frequently dodging Ute defenders in the backfield, and Nelson frequently had to evade trouble, or he was caught in it. The Utah defensive line may be the best BYU faces all season, but the Cougar line probably could have posted a better effort than what was on display at Rice Eccles Stadium.
DEFENSE: B+
BYU's defense gave BYU every chance to win the game. Utah's scores came on short fields, and a 76 yard fumble return for a touchdown. The Cougars held the Utes to 247 yards of offense and just 49 yards rushing on 35 carries (1.4 ypc). John White did not play, which helped. Jarrell Oliver didn't return after an injury. The Utes converted only 4 of 15 third downs.
DEFENSIVE LINE: B+
The defensive line put significant pressure on the Utah passing game and stuffed the run. Romney Fuga and Ezekiel Ansah's play stood out.
LINEBACKERS: B+
SECONDARY: B
BYU's secondary dealt about as well with Utah's speed at wide receiver as it ever has. Jordan Johnson stood out, making several key plays, though he was beat once by Dres Anderson for a 39 yard score.
SPECIAL TEAMS: B-
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times. BYU stopped Sean Sellwood's punt in the fourth quarter deep in Utah territory, keeping hope alive. There was the Riley Stephenson punt that was downed at the Utah one-foot line. JD Falslev created some sparks in the punt return game, with a 36 yard return. Still, BYU was ultimately cost by two end-of-game field goal attempts. The first from Justin Sorenson was blocked. The second - on an untimed down following a penalty against the Utah crowd - was from a very-makeable 36 yards. It hit the upright and was no good.
