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Quarterback A-
Max Hall had great protection and he thrived, completing 30-of-41 for 338 yards and three touchdowns. I still think he's forcing the ball to Austin Collie and he also forced one to Dennis Pitta at the end of the half. But he more than makes up for that with money throws and plenty of big plays.
Running Back A-
Got to give Harvey Unga a good grade, though the fumble in the fourth quarter made the end interesting. Unga ran tough (23 times for 136 yards) all game long and made the passing game all that more effective. Fui Vakapuna scored a touchdown on his first carry of the season and looked like the Fui of old.
Wide Receiver/Tight End A-
Washington tried to take Pitta (10 catches for 148 yards) away early in the game but he was money down the stretch. He made big catch after big catch in the second half (six for 114). He just gets so big when the ball comes his way he's like a great offensive rebounder in basketball: you can't get around him. Collie had a puzzling game, catching the first TD but dropping four balls in the first half. Michael Reed was solid.
Offensive Line A+
Before you think I've lost my mind, BYU's offensive line has struggled against BCS opponents historically. But against Washington (admittedly not one of the best defenses in the Pac-10) they were dominant. Unga got his 100 yards and Hall was rarely pressured. It's the kind of performance they can build on.
Defensive Line C+
After Washington struggled to run the ball against Oregon, I expected BYU's defensive line to have the edge. But there wasn't much pressure from the front three and the Huskies repeatedly broke through on draw plays. Of course, chasing Jake Locker isn't easy. Ian Dulan was credited with a sack.
Linebacker B
Matt Bauman was his usually self (nine tackles and a sack) and David Nixon had two tackles for loss. Coleby Clawson had to play most of the game when Vic So'oto went down with a foot injury and played well (five tackles, one sack).
Safety B-
David Tafuna could have had an interception that may have changed the momentum of the game but tipped it to a Washington receiver. I still would like to see better run support from him (four tackles). Kellen Fowler had eight tackles.
Cornerback C+
Brandon Howard got beat deep once and it could have happened at least once more if Locker could throw deep passes on target. Scott Johnson made nine tackles and had a beautiful defensive play to prevent a touchdown on the final drive of the game. Still a work in progress.
Special Teams B
Grade would have been a "C" but you have to raise it with Jan Jorgensen's game-preserving block. C.J. Santiago was dreadful punting in the first half (two shanks for a 27.5 average) and the ocean air had a big affect on Justin Sorensen's kickoffs. O'Neill Chambers had a couple of decent returns. |
