BYU football is working to move past a 28-20 loss to No. 3 Utah on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026, a defeat that dropped the Cougars to 4-2 in Big 12 play. Despite a difficult performance from sophomore quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who threw four interceptions, team leadership expressed confidence that the offense will rebound in their upcoming game against Baylor.
Postseason Implications
The loss at Rice-Eccles Stadium has complicated BYU's postseason aspirations, as the Cougars fell to No. 12 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 rankings. The team currently sits two games behind Utah for the top of the conference and one game behind 8-1 Texas Tech for a potential spot in the Big 12 championship game in Arlington, Texas.
BYU enters the final three games of the season needing strong performances to remain in consideration for the College Football Playoff. To secure an automatic berth as the highest-ranked Group of Six team, the Cougars likely need to be ranked among the top 11 or 12 teams by the selection committee.
Bachmeier's Difficult Saturday
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier struggled during the rivalry game, throwing four interceptions—matching his total from the first eight games of the year. His performance included a fourth interception in the final moments of the game when a pass intended for Kyler Kasper was intercepted by Utah safety Nate Ritchie.
Despite the turnovers, Bachmeier led a 20-0 first-half run that erased a 14-0 deficit to give BYU a 20-14 halftime lead. He also led the team in rushing with 59 yards and did not take a sack during the contest.
Support for the Signal-Caller
BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and teammates are standing by the sophomore quarterback. Sitake noted Monday that while much of the blame for the loss lies with the quarterback, the player is taking the performance personally.
"I know Bear, I know the character he has, and I know he's going to bounce back," BYU center Bruce Mitchell said on Monday. Mitchell added that the team must improve its run game to make the passing game more efficient and ease the pressure on Bachmeier.
Running Game Outlook
The Cougars will look to improve their offensive production through the run game in their next matchup. Senior running back LJ Martin, who returned to the lineup on Saturday, recorded 19 yards on seven carries, including a 4-yard touchdown.
Sitake said Martin, who has recently been using a scooter after being off crutches for a few weeks, is expected to see an increased workload against Baylor. The coach described Martin's recent participation as a "great morale boost" for the team.
Looking Toward Baylor
BYU prepares to face Baylor, a team that has won two consecutive games since firing head coach Dave Aranda. Sitake noted that Baylor presents a significant challenge due to their recent momentum and strong defense.
As the Cougars prepare for the Saturday matchup, players like Matthiasman Dunn emphasized the importance of internal unity. Dunn stated that the team must bond together and focus on execution regardless of outside noise.
Season Context
BYU's season remains defined by notable performances, including a 28-24 victory over Notre Dame earlier in the year. The Cougars' recent schedule has included a win over Arizona State and a loss to Utah, as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
