No. 10 BYU defeated TCU 17-10 on the road in Fort Worth, Texas, on Saturday night, according to a October 3 report. The win moved the Cougars to a 4-0 record, marking their third straight season with a 4-0 start.
The game was heavily influenced by weather and a ground-based offensive strategy. BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick's offense utilized 38 rushes and 24 passing attempts to accumulate 216 total yards. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the ground attack with 66 yards and two touchdowns, including a 21-yard score in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Bachmeier also contributed 66 passing yards on 11 completions.
Even with reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin exiting the game in the first quarter after two carries, the Cougars totaled 141 rushing yards at 4.1 yards per carry. The BYU defense recorded four sacks, the team's highest total since 2020, with Tausili Akana, Nusi Taumoepeau, Braxton Lindsay, and Jake Clifton each recording a sack. Safety Faletau Satuala provided a key momentum shift with a 59-yard interception return that led to BYU's first score. Tommy Prassas led the team with seven tackles.
The scoring began in the second quarter when Bachmeier scored on a 9-yard scramble, giving BYU a 7-0 lead. TCU responded when Jaden Craig threw a touchdown pass to Kari Ashley to tie the game 7-7 before halftime. In the third quarter, Matthias Dunn converted a 49-yard field goal to put BYU ahead 10-7.
In the final quarter, Bachmeier scored on a 21-yard quarterback draw to extend the lead to 17-7. TCU managed a field goal with 32 seconds remaining to make it 17-10, but BYU recovered an onside kick to secure the win.
BYU has now been 9-2 in one-score games over the past three seasons.
No. 10 BYU returns to LaVell Edwards Stadium for a matchup against Iowa State on Friday, Oct. 9. The game is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast on ESPN.
