LJ Martin celebrates a BYU touchdown (Photo by BYU Athletics)
The Cougars found a way to win when they really should not have. BYU played very poorly for a lot of the game in Tucson against Arizona. They were down 24-14 in the fourth quarter before a furious comeback led by Bear Bachmeier forced overtime. The BYU running game was the source of their victory as they won in double overtime, 33-27.
BYU 33, Arizona 27 (2OT)
BYU started very well against Arizona. So well, it looked like it might be a blowout in the Cougars’ favor in the first quarter. The running game, led by LJ Martin, made it 7-0 early for BYU with a 28-yard touchdown run.
On their very next possession, Bear Bachmeier and Parker Kingston would gash Arizona’s vaunted pass defense. The 75-yard touchdown pass made it look like the Cougars might run away with this game early, and like it may never be close.
That’s when the rain started. Arizona would answer BYU and cut the score to 14-7. The game would then be suspended at the end of the first quarter, due to a lightning delay. Arizona took all the momentum into a quarter break that would last longer than the eventual halftime. Arizona would add 10 points in the second quarter when play resumed. The Wildcats’ 17 unanswered would make it 17-14 at halftime.
Bachmeier would throw his second pick in the third quarter, and neither team would score, but Arizona would open the fourth quarter with a touchdown, scoring 24 straight points without a BYU response. The Cougars sustained a drive that ended in a field goal, cutting the lead to 24-17. BYU would get the ball back down seven with 2:55 left on the clock. Bear Bachmeier would drive BYU 47 yards, finishing off the drive with a two-yard touchdown run with 19 left, forcing overtime.
Both teams traded field goals in the first overtime. BYU would get the ball first in the second overtime and again would score with a touchdown run by Bachmeier. BYU would miss the two-point conversion, giving Arizona a chance to win. The BYU defense would tighten up, get the stop, and end the game with a 33-27 2OT victory. The Cougars would stay undefeated, moving to 6-0 on the season.
The Holy War
Before they left Tucson, BYU was already looking ahead to the biggest game of the season against their archrival. The Cougars will host the Utes this coming Saturday. BYU has won the last two games against the Utes (2024, 2021). Less than 10 points have decided 20 of the last 24 in this rivalry. It has been a tightly contested rivalry as of late.
BYU will need to lean on their strengths, their playmakers and their homefield advantage to win. On defense, let Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker lead you to victory, with one of them always keeping an eye on Devon Dampier. On offense, don’t try to be something you’re not. Yes, Bachmeier can throw to Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and Carsen Ryan when he needs to, but you want to run the ball. Let LJ Martin, supplemented by Bachmeier’s running ability, carry you.
Also, maintain your poise. A huge reason BYU is 17-2 over the past two seasons is that they don’t panic, and they keep fighting. Finally, lean into your homefield advantage. It’s one of the best in all of college football, especially at night. BYU is 24-3 in their last 27 home games at night in LaVell Edwards Stadium. Go Cougs! Beat Utah!
