BYU earned a 17-10 win over TCU on Saturday, though the victory was marked by injuries to several key players, according to a October 3 report. Running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker were both forced out of the game during the contest.
Midway through the first quarter, Martin, the defending Big 12 Conference offensive player of the year, left the game with an apparent ankle injury. While Martin worked with trainers and appeared less hobbled before changing into street clothes after halftime, the team struggled to establish a ground game in his absence. Preston Rex finished with 21 yards on eight carries, while freshman Journee Tonga contributed 28 yards on seven carries during a critical touchdown drive.
Defensive linebacker Isaiah Glasker exited the game early following a play during a Faletau Satuala interception. Glasker went to a medical tent with what appeared to be a serious lower leg injury. BYU coach Kalani Sitake noted that both Glasker and Martin were able to stand and move, but stated that evaluations would require MRIs. Additionally, sophomore defensive back and returner Cannon DeVries left the game early with an undisclosed injury.
The game was also decided by special teams performance in difficult conditions. Kicker Matthias Dunn, supported by long-snapper Ty Smith and holder Fuller Shurtz, converted a 49-yard field goal midway through the third quarter. Coach Sitake credited special teams coordinator Justin Ena for preparing the unit to handle wet conditions.
Linebacker Jake Clifton, who largely replaced Glasker during the game, stated that the team's confidence helped him step into the role. Preston Rex noted that while losing a player of Martin's caliber hurts any team, the roster had the talent to step up and secure the win.
