BYU report card

GRADE C+

Offense

After taking a 10-7 lead and scoring on back-to-back drives to open the third quarter, BYU's offense generally failed to execute with overthrown passes by John Beck. His big plays balanced out an average outing for the offense, which was marred by key dropped passes by Todd Watkins.

GRADE D

Defense

The Cougar defense failed to answer Notre Dame's strategy of hitting tall receivers on quick routes. BYU's coverage was poor, and so was its tackling. On key plays, the pressure came up short in sacking QB Brady Quinn and that led to big plays and touchdowns.

GRADE B-

Special teams

Jared McLaughlin hit a field goal and missed another, both from the 42-plus yard range. BYU's kickoff and return game with Breyon Jones and Nathan Meikle proved outstanding, and so was the coverage. A solid effort.

GRADE C

Overall

The Cougars were out of their league in this game but should have had better execution on defense and offense. Bad coverage and dropped or overthrown passes killed key drives the Cougars should have converted into scores. BYU's defense could not overcome Notre Dame's receivers.