First one was a 3rd and 1 in the 3rd quarter.

Cal had been driving successfully all quarter, mixed in with the 2 turnovers. Outside of the 2 TOs we weren't getting stops. Lots of 3rds and short. I watched all of them and can't understand what Tuiaki was doing to try and stop Cal from getting the 1st and get off the field. It's like objective #1 is to prevent a touchdown. #2 is to limit yards... and then if we get them off the field it's just a bonus. Very strange. This one was infuriating because it was so easy for Cal.

Cal lined up with an empty backfield and a large fullback/H-back with their running QB. Looked likely to be that same QB designed run they ran over and over on us in the 2H. BYU is doing a rare blitz and doesn't disguise it at all. It is an obvious blitz with both backers coming inside the DEs.  

This is all fine and dandy. I would have liked the guys to disguise just a bit, but ok, they're ready for a quick snap and to fill a hole. It's 3rd and very short. The part that bothers me is the other backer, Zayne. 

Zayne starts backing up before the snap as a 3rd safety. Honestly having 3 safeties 10-15 yards deep on a 3rd and 1 makes no sense at all. It is pretty ridiculous. Cal has a slot WR completely uncovered and the next couple of frames show how easy this play was.

Again, on a 3rd and short 1, we have 3 guys completely OUT of the play. They are a non-factor (except for preventing a touchdown). So the rare time we bring 6 we couldn't have made it much easier on the QB.

The QB hesitated just a brief moment to make sure Pili wasn't going to drop from the DE spot, then makes a simple pitch and catch to #8.

After the simplest catch of his career he has tons of green to easily get a 1st.

Troy comes in the frame like a bat out of hell but had zero chance to prevent the 1st from 10+ yards deep and backing up at the snap. At this point he is just making the tackle. 

The next couple of pics are the final series of the game. BYU failed with an onside kick and with all 3 TOs there was once chance for a quick 3 and out to get the ball back and try to get in FG range and let Southam show his leg. 

Pretty standard/Vanilla D in a scenario where Cal would be idiotic to try and pass the ball. Not sure why the heck we need a safety 10 yards off the line, personally I would pull the safety all the way up as another LB. Oh well. 

The DL did a decent job of getting off blocks and tackling on 1st down and Cal had 2nd and 7. Again - it looks like the objective here is to prevent a TD. Did we really need a safety on top of coverage?? I get they're only 8 yards deep but in this scenario in the game I would have every single guy 5 or less yards off the ball. 

Still - defense did an ok job of tackling and we at least have an opportunity at 3rd and 3. This is where I went nuts. This is THE FINAL chance of the game. You stop them here, they have a 4th down and 99% most likely try and pin you deep. You get the ball with 30+ seconds and have a CHANCE. SO WHY THE CRAP IS THE SAFETY 15 YARDS OFF THE BALL?!? If they score a TD, WHO CARES?! You need to prevent a 1st down here not a TD. I also don't love the depth and position of the LBs. We're giving up the top edge by lining up inside of the RT and there is an extra H-back there to block. Cal takes advantage. 

Can someone remind me again why Troy is worried about the pass over the top here? 

QB takes it on a designed run and as expected the DE is sealed by the H-back with a pulling guard to boot. Sione looks like he wants to make a play but the ball is going to the other side. Austin Lee is locked in on his man and isn't a factor at all. Zayne is too deep. Btw, why is Dayan, one of our best tacklers not in on this play? This play is going to completely come down to Butch Pauu. Can he evade the pulling guard and make the tackle?

If Butch can force him inside maybe he can get some help. Sione has the backside if he cuts back and there is no hole in the middle. 

I love Butch, but why leave your feet here? Breakdown, take outside leverage, and you guys can team tackly Cinco de Crapo (I thought this QB sucked so it pained me to see him gauge us) and get the ball back. Butch dives for the guy, whiffs, and there is no one else in position to make a play. 

Tons of green grass... easy 1st down. Game over. Why is our objective on 3rd and short to prevent TDs? Why when 3 yards is your only chance to win the game? Like I said, these are head-scratchers.