Bear Bachmeier threw for a season-high 329 yards and two touchdowns to lead No. 8 BYU to a 24-10 victory over Iowa State on Oct. 9 in Provo, Utah. The win moves the Cougars to a 5-0 record and 3-0 in the Big 12.
Bachmeier completed 73% of his passes during the game, marking his fourth career 300-yard performance. He also recorded a career-best 109 yards on the ground, his first career 100-yard rushing game. This performance came despite the absence of BYU running back LJ Martin. With Martin sidelined, seven different players recorded at least one carry for the Cougars, who finished the game with 177 total rushing yards.
On the opening drive, Bachmeier completed his first seven passes, including a 26-yard run that helped power the Cougars to their first touchdown. Journee Tonga finished the scoring drive with a 6-yard run. Later, Bachmeier hit Roger Saleapaga for a 63-yard pass to set up a second scoring drive, which Kyler Kasper finished by scoring two plays later to give BYU a 14-3 lead before halftime.
The BYU defense prevented Iowa State from closing the scoring gap, holding the Cyclones to only six total yards in the second quarter and 0.5 yards per play. Bachmeier's second touchdown pass was a 75-yard completion to Legend Glasker, which extended the BYU lead to 21-3 with 1:09 remaining in the third quarter.
Iowa State, which is 3-3 and 1-2, saw Jaylen Raynor throw for 98 yards and one touchdown. Aiden Flora contributed 86 yards on the ground but was limited to 11 rushing yards before halftime. The Cyclones' offense struggled, totaling only 49 yards before halftime and recording three consecutive three-and-out drives during the second quarter.
BYU is scheduled to host Notre Dame on Oct. 17. Iowa State is scheduled to play at Arizona on Oct. 24.
