BYU report card

Offense

The Cougars' passing attack proved OK with a 21-of-35 night for 231 yards and a pair of first-half TDs, but was nothing to write home about. Meanwhile, the BYU backs and line couldn't get a rushing game going between the tackles against the quick, swarming UCLA defenders.

GRADE C

Defense

Decent effort, considering the defense allowed just three UCLA field goals aside from the Bruins' sole TD late in the first half, which could be blamed on an offensive miscue late in the second quarter. Honestly, the defense struggled to get a stop on UCLA's final drive, which nine times out of 10 would have resulted in a game-winning kick.

GRADE B

Special teams

C.J. Santiago averaged just 32 yards on his eight punts, but five dropped inside the Bruin 20 and none for touchbacks (being helped by strong punt coverage). Austin Collie returned three kicks for 88 yards, while Mitch Payne was good on two PATs and his 29-yard field. Oh, and wasn't there some blocked field goal attempt against UCLA?

GRADE A

Overall

How many times can you say that the special teams made the difference in a Cougar victory this season? With the offense not firing on all cylinders and the defense in a bend-but-not-quite-break mode, BYU comes away with a "special" bowl victory. Grade: B

GRADE B