Normally I try and have the unit grades ready on Monday morning, but I wasn't home in time to watch a replay of the game on Sunday so I apologize for getting these up a day late.

We don't want to keep you waiting any longer so let's get to those grades, which are after the jump.

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Quarterback: I suppose I'm obligated to dock Connor Halliday some points for his pick-six and another for a weird interception in which he didn't appear to see a defender right in front of him. But considering the game Halliday ended up having, the effective use of the running backs, the two crucial fourth-down touchdowns – one of which came after he shook off a defender and stepped into a collapsing pocket – and the fact that I could barely stand up on the field because it was so windy but he completed 39 of 61 passes, I can't help but give Halliday a good grade. Grade: A-

Wide receiver:  Intellectually, I get why the Cougars can't just throw a pass to River Cracraft on a vertical route up the seam on every single play. But I sure would like to see it happen. Cracraft made a bunch of tough catches like always, Dom Williams made his customary big plays and Vince Mayle is a beast. Robert Lewis' block on the game-winning touchdown gets the unit half a letter grade of extra credit. Grade: B+

Running backs: Gerard Wicks ran with speed and violence, Jamal Morrow was elusive and the Cougars picked up six first downs on the ground. The duo also averaged six and 5. Yards per rush, respectively. Wicks had a nice 24-yard run but beyond that it was a steady game for the running backs, but without  any huge gains or touchdowns. Grade: B

Offensive line: The Cougars faced one of the country's best pass rushes and did OK up front, but it could have been better. Halliday was sacked three times and avoided a couple more with some nifty footwork in the pocket, and while the run blocking was solid at times, Wicks was bottled up once or twice before he had a chance to make something happen. Grade: B-

Defensive line: Ivan McLennan, who we'll consider a defensive end for grading purposes now, has become very disruptive in recent weeks. He wasn't credited with a sack that he should have been, but still found ways to make life tougher for Utes quarterback Travis Wilson. Obviously this wasn't as exceptional a performance as the seven-sack effort against Oregon, but the grades are going to be pretty poor typically if we start using that as the standard. With the exception of one huge touchdown run the defense was mostly OK against the run and hey, they only allowed six points in the final three quarters. Grade: B

Linebackers: Jeremiah Allison has gone from unheralded linebacker who rarely plays to possibly WSU's best at the position in about two weeks. There were some issues tackling and Devontae Booker's touchdown run wasn't a great moment but overall a solid performance that was an important part of the larger defensive effort. Grade: B-

Defensive backs: It should be noted that the Utes had some issues catching the ball in the weather as well, particularly when a wide open Dres Anderson dropped an easy catch in the fourth quarter that likely adds a touchdown to Utah's total if he hauls it in. But still, I thought Charleston White looked really good live with those two fourth-down pass breakups and all, and while watching the replay I noticed a couple other plays where he likely would have tipped or intercepted a pass if Wilson had made a better throw. White looked great, Daquawn Brown was solid and Sulaiman Hameed and Darius Lemora looked comfortable as starting safeties. Grade: B+

Special Teams: Utah ran a punt back for a touchdown after a missed tackle on the sidelines, Jordan Dascalo had a couple rough punts -- although his average was hurt by a couple that went about 30 yards but were downed inside the Utah 20 -- and the Cougars fielded a punt at the five-yard line that the return man should have let go. Overall, not a great day for a unit that has been good in most facets this season. Grade: D+

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