GRADE B+

Offense

The Cougars scored seven times in eight "blue-zone" appearances and featured balance in yards and scoring plays both on the ground and in the air. But the BYU offense coughed up three turnovers and all but disappeared in the third period after posting a 31-0 halftime lead.

GRADE B+

Defense

Except for a special-teams turnover, the Cougars kept EUI from breaking their 40-yard line until the fourth quarter. BYU started with a fumble and interception on EIU's first two drives but managed only one more fumble recovery the rest of the way and suffered some second-half lapses.

GRADE C-

Special teams

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Placekicking accounted for nine points, while the Cougars covered kicks well and recovered a fumbled punt. But a partially blocked PAT, a 12-yard punt, a missed field goal from 42 yards and BYU's own fumbled punt suggests there's plenty of work to do.

GRADE B

Overall

A lopsided, 45-10 victory may suggest a strong mark, but we're not grading "on the curve." Remember, this was a matchup where the Cougars were expected to break out against I-AA Eastern Illinois. Even coach Bronco Mendenhall anticipates lots of refining over the bye week.

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