This post was updated on Sept. 8 at 1:03 a.m.
Quarterbacks: A-
Brett Hundley had one bad throw, and it was a big one. His pick-six at the beginning of the fourth quarter could have been a game-changer. But the redshirt senior remained composed, and responded with a 75-yard drive capped by what would turn out to be the game-winning touchdown.
Hundley threw the deep ball very well on Saturday, connecting with Kenny Walker for a 62-yard touchdown and Thomas Duarte on a 52-yard completion. His final stat line: 33-44 for 396 yards and three scores. He led the team to six scoring drives overall, all of which were longer than 60 yards.
This was the Brett Hundley we were expecting.
Running Backs: B+
Two games into the season, Paul Perkins has emerged as the team’s top back, headlining what was expected to be a by-committee approach. The redshirt sophomore carried the ball 23 times for 98 yards (4.3 yards per carry) and two scores.
Also, any game where sophomore linebacker Myles Jack gets a rushing touchdown automatically earns at least a B. Freshman Nate Starks looked good, but only saw two carries.
Where’s Jordon James? The redshirt senior had two carries for two yards.
Receivers: C+
After a disappointing first game, Y-receiver Thomas Duarte had his coming out party, as the 6-foot-3, 223-pound receiver was wide open whenever he caught the ball en route to a 110-yard, two-touchdown day.
It was nice to see the Bruins take advantage of Walker’s speed, while junior receiver Jordan Payton (7 receptions, 98 yards) turned himself into Brett Hundley’s go-to guy. Drops remain an issue after UCLA let the ball hit the ground seven times last week and coach Jim Mora said he counted at least five on Saturday.
Offensive line: B
The much-maligned group had a nice bounce back on Saturday with the return of redshirt junior center Jake Brendel. For the most part, Hundley had plenty of time to throw and the interior run game was much more effective this week than last.
However when the team needed run the ball, as it did late in the fourth quarter, the line struggled to open holes. Memphis stuffed the run three straight plays on UCLA’s final possession and gave the Tigers one last chance to tie the game.
Defensive line: C-
Surprisingly, Memphis was able to run the ball effectively up the middle, most noticeably on running back Doroland Dorceus’s 40-yard touchdown run. After a strong game last week, redshirt senior Owamagbe Odighizuwa was very quiet in this contest, save for the final few drives. This could very well be the strongest position group on the team, but they didn’t show it today.
Linebackers: C-
After standout performances from redshirt senior linebacker Eric Kendricks and Jack a weak ago, this group underperformedSaturday. They particularly had trouble identifying Memphis’ screen game, which the Tigers often exploited. There were also a lot of missed tackles out of this group.
Defensive backs: D
Memphis sophomore quarterback Paxton Lynch threw for 305 yards and a score. For a group that will soon face some of the best signal-callers in the nation during Pac-12 play, that defense is nowhere near good enough.
Sophomore cornerback Priest Willis had a big pass interference call that extended a Tigers drive late in the fourth quarter, while junior cornerback Fabian Moreau continues to struggle after having a standout camp. He and junior cornerback Ishmael Adams were beat on inside slants multiple times throughout the game. The group was hurt by the absence of junior safety Randall Goforth, who exited during the first half with a shoulder injury.
Special teams: F
Junior kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn missed his first extra-point attempt and junior punter Matt Mengel (7 punts, 34-yard average per punt) isn’t getting good distance or hang time on his punts. Throw in a hands-to-the-face penalty on redshirt junior linebacker Kenny Orjioke that extended a Memphis drive, and this was easily one of the worst performing groups Saturday night. Adams continues to do a nice job with his return game however.
Coaching: C-
Offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone called a much better game this week than last, as the team found its tempo early and established the run game early. And again, it’s good to see Jack and sophomore defensive linemen Eddie Vanderdoes and Kenny Clark lining up on offense.
After a strong debut, first-year defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich had a rather disappointing follow-up to say the least. While his group didn’t execute, Ulbrich said that he “did not have enough answers for our guys.” The Bruins clearly struggled to pick up some of the Tigers’ schemes, and part of that falls on coaching.
Compiled by Jordan Lee, Bruin Sports senior staff.