The Cougars withstood the loss of tackle David Hunter and linebacker Kris Johnston from the nation's 110th-ranked defense. Without left tackle Jacolby Ashworth for all the game and left guard Jordan Shoemaker for most if it, the nation's No. 1 offense churned out 553 yards. The replacements, tackle Roy Watts and guard Jaryd Anderson, helped give Case Keenum time to pass 52 times for 434 yards while taking only one sack.