Daily Herald sports writers Darnell Dickson and Brandon Gurney debated various BYU sports topics in a report published November 12, 2026. The discussion centered on the football team's need to move past a loss to Utah and the individual performances of key players.
Regarding the football team, Dickson noted that quarterback Bear Bachmeier must recover from a performance involving four interceptions in the loss to Utah to keep BYU's playoff hopes alive. The discussion highlighted Bachmeier's leadership and competitiveness as noted by coaches and teammates. Gurney expressed confidence in Bachmeier's recovery, noting his extraordinary accomplishments since joining the program. The upcoming game against Baylor is described as a challenge, as the Bears have been successful since firing head coach Dave Aranda. The offense is expected to be near full strength with LJ Martin prepared for a heavier workload.
The debate also addressed responsibility for the loss to the Utes. Gurney suggested the loss falls on the players due to execution issues in the defensive scheme, specifically mentioning a scramble by Devon Dampier and defensive lapses by players such as Isaiah Glasker and Cade Uluave. Dickson noted that while coaches are ultimately responsible for the program, players must take responsibility for execution on the field. Dickson suggested that BYU could potentially go 3-0 in their next three weeks against Baylor, Kansas, and Cincinnati if they show improvement at every level.
In women's basketball, Delaney Gibb's triple-double performance against Montana was the first for the BYU program in 40 years. Gurney stated that if Gibb maintains her current pace, she could finish as a top 10 player all-time for the program. She currently has 1,111 points scored and is just past the halfway point of her career. Dickson added that Gibb's performance and her play with Canada's senior national team make her one of the best to wear the Cougar uniform.
The BYU men's basketball team has started the season 3-0. Dickson observed that despite the use of the transfer portal, head coach Kevin Young and his staff have successfully built team chemistry. Gurney noted that the team appears to fit together better than in previous seasons, highlighting the importance of returning Rob Wright III to the point position for a second straight season.
