All five of BYU's games have been decided by three points or less, and this time the ball bounced the Cougars' way as they defeated Toledo 55-53 on a last-second field goal.
The offense showed tremendous improvement as Jamaal Williams set new school records. The defense, on the other hand, got torched by a red-hot Rockets offense. However, BYU did just enough to pull out the win at home that helps keep its bowl hopes alive.
Here's BYU's report card for its dramatic last-second win vs. Toledo:
Offense
Williams had a historic night for BYU as he set a new school record for rushing yards in a single game with 286, breaking Eldon Forte's record that has stood for more than 50 years. He also tied the record for rushing touchdowns in a single game with five.
Video: Jamaal Williams' 5 touchdown runs accounted for 127 of his record-breaking 286 rushing yards vs. Toledo @jswaggdaddy @BYUfootball pic.twitter.com/yXAjocX54j
— Brandon Judd (@brandonljudd) October 1, 2016
Give credit to a banged-up offensive line. They opened up holes for Williams and Squally Canada, who had his first career touchdown. BYU finished the night with an impressive 338 yards on the ground.
Taysom Hill started the game with a 75-yard touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage. While there's still some issues to work out between Hill and his wide receivers, Hill had a good day with 248 yards and a touchdown and no interceptions. Tight end Tanner Balderree also had a good night with three receptions for 62 yards.
It's safe to say that BYU has finally turned a corner on offense. A rough second quarter keeps them from a straight A, but this is a performance the offense can be proud of.
Grade: A-
Defense
Toledo has a great offense, but there's no excuse for BYU's missed tackles, lack of QB pressure and mistakes on defense. The Cougars gave up 53 points and 692 yards of total offense to the Rockets.
Clearly, BYU misses Butch Pau'u at linebacker and Troy Wanner in the secondary.
That isn't to say that there weren't flashes of brilliance. Kai Nacua's fourth interception of the year was what allowed BYU to get ahead of Toledo late in the game. Freshman Dayan Lake made his first career interceptions and made some solid tackles. And to be fair, Corban Kaufusi and Trajan Pili became the first two players to sack Toledo quarterback Logan Woodside this season.
Video: Kai Nacua's 4th Q interception helped @BYUfootball take a late lead against Toledo in a 55-53 thriller @KaiNacua_23 pic.twitter.com/METuHsCRGq
— Brandon Judd (@brandonljudd) October 1, 2016
Still, this is a game that the BYU defense would probably like to forget, or better yet, learn from.
Grade: D+
Special teams
As shaky as Rhett Almond looked in his first game against Arizona, he sure has come through since taking over for the injured Jake Oldroyd. Almond hit a 32-yard field goal and the all-important 19-yard kick to put BYU up with no time on the clock.
Video: Rhett Almond drilled 2 field goals in the 4th Q, including the 19-yard game-winner, in @BYUfootball's wild 55-53 win over Toledo pic.twitter.com/8UdxQcGYdM
— Brandon Judd (@brandonljudd) October 1, 2016
Overall it was another solid day for special teams. Tomasi Laulile blocked a 40-yard field goal attempt. Kickoff coverage continues to do well as they held a dangerous Toledo return game to just 16.4 yards per return. Jonny Linehan continues to do his job well with a 58-yard punt on the night.
Grade: A
Coaching
Ty Detmer's offense started to click last week against West Virginia, and it roared on all cylinders against Toledo for the win. Granted, the Rockets don't have the same kind of talent of defense as Utah, UCLA or West Virginia, but it is wonderful to see so much progress over the year.
Ilaisa Tuiaki's defense, however, seems to be going the wrong way. Yes, BYU's two two toughest offenses were West Virginia and Toledo, and the Cougars are missing some key players. However, halftime adjustments to the defense didn't seem to do much as the Rockets marched down the field for an easy touchdown to start the second half.
It's clear that the players love and play hard for Kalani Sitake and the coaching staff. While there's no conference championship to play for as an independent, this staff has not only kept this team going, but has improved it.
Overall: B
Overall
Toledo isn't the biggest name on BYU's tough schedule, but this was a critical win if BYU want to go to a bowl game. Now the Cougars hit the road to face a tough Michigan State team with a win at their backs.
Solid win for the Cougars in Provo, and solid translates to a B in my book.
Grade: B
Lafe Peavler is a sports strategist for the Deseret News and KSL.com. Follow him on Twitter @LafePeavler.