Prior to the college football season, as you may recall, the Deseret News had an eight-part series grading the local Division I-A college football teams position by position. At the time, the grades were speculative, at best.
It's time for midterms. Six weeks into a 12-game season seems to be about the right time to re-evaluate the BYU football team using the same eight categories and the first half of the season as the basis. Grading is in comparison to the other WAC schools.QUARTERBACK: John Walsh, the preseason WAC Offensive Player of the Year, has been solid in five of the six games. Perhaps not coincidentally, the Cougars are 5-1 with their only loss on the day Walsh struggled - when he threw four interceptions against Colorado State. He's seventh in the nation in total offense (281 yards per game), 15th in passing efficiency and he's completed just under 60 percent of his attempts, although the deep-passing game has been non-existent. Walsh has only thrown one interception in the past three games.
Midterm grade: A-. (Preseason grade: A+)
RUNNING BACKS: Before the season began senior Jamal Willis vowed to return to the form he had as a sophomore when he rushed for 1,000 yards. He's done just that. Willis is averaging 100 yards per game (605 on the year) and is a shoo-in, barring injury, to become the all-time rushing leader at BYU, needing just 171 yards to break the mark held by Lakei Hemuli. Lakei's brother, the present starting fullback Hema Hemuli, has been inconsistent and a bit fumble prone, but has a combined 493 yards of rushing and receiving.
Midterm grade: A-. (Preseason grade: B)
OFFENSIVE LINE: Right guard Evan Pilgrim has developed into one of the best linemen in the country. The Cougs seemed to have shored up the left tackle spot with sophomore James Johnson. Walsh is still taking a beating and occasionally getting sacked, but part of the problem stems from the Cougar QB holding on to the ball too long. The line has done a nice job opening up holes for Willis.
Midterm grade: A-. (Preseason grade: B+)
RECEIVERS: Injuries to seniors Bryce Doman and Tim Nowatzke have stunted the progress of the passing game. Mike Johnston has become a clutch receiver and sophomore tight ends Itula Mili and Chad Lewis are talented. Mili has just 11 catches on the season, but four are for touchdowns - including the game-winner last week against Fresno State. With Doman either out or only at partial strength so far, the Cougs have lacked a deep threat.
Midterm grade: B. (Preseason grade: B+)
DEFENSIVE LINE: The defense, with the exception of the New Mexico game, has been much improved over last season and it's all started up front. Ends Travis Hall and Randy Brock have been outstanding, while junior college transfers John Raass and Mike Ulufale have held their own.
Midterm grade: A-. (Preseason grade: B+)
LINEBACKERS: It was the most inexperienced position on the team entering the season but has turned into a solid group. Sophomore Shay Muirbrook is a star in the making and leads the team in tackles, while junior Stan Raass is fourth on the team in tackles from his strong-side linebacker position.
Midterm grade: B+. (Preseason grade: C)
SECONDARY: Two new coaches and several new players have the BYU defensive backfield playing as well as it has in years. Junior college transfer cornerback Dermmell Reed has been a pleasant surprise, especially considering he was a late-signee. Safety Jack Damuni has missed all but one quarter due to an injury, but replacement Jamie Cook has filled in admirably.
Midterm grade: B+. (Preseason grade: C+)
SPECIAL TEAMS: Place kicker David Lauder is automatic on extra points (22-22) and most of his kickoffs are too deep to return, but he's just 6-11 in field goals. Punter Alan Boardman averages 40.5 yards per boot and has been successful pooching several kicks inside the 20. The kick returners have been adequate but not flashy.
Midterm grade: B+. (Preseason grade: B+)
In the six games remaining the Cougars will be a solid favorite three times (at UTEP and against Southwest Louisiana and San Diego State). Two games could go either way and surprise no one (Arizona State and at Utah), while BYU is expected to lose (as a 14-point underdog) against Saturday's opponent, Notre
Dame. Projected finish: 9-3 overall, 6-2 WAC (tied for second) with a Freedom Bowl berth where the Cougars will face Washington State.
WHAT'S HIS NAME: Notre Dame coach Lou Holtz says he's impressed with BYU's quarterback - even if he doesn't know his name. While praising the Cougar QB in a press conference Tuesday, Holtz called him "John Lynch."