No. 10 BYU defeated TCU 17-10 on Oct. 2 in Fort Worth, Texas, marking the Cougars' third consecutive season with a 4-0 start. The victory came in a wet, run-heavy contest that saw BYU hold on despite adverse weather conditions affecting both offenses.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led the BYU offense with 66 rushing yards and 66 passing yards on 11 completions. Bachmeier scored a 9-yard touchdown in the second quarter and added a 21-yard rushing score in the final minutes of the fourth quarter to extend the lead. The Cougars accumulated 216 total yards of offense, including 141 rushing yards at 4.1 yards per carry. The rushing attack was impacted by reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin, who exited the game in the first quarter after two carries.
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 crucial momentum shift in the second quarter by intercepting a pass and returning it 59 yards to the TCU 16-yard line. This turnover led to BYU's first score of the game. Tommy Prassas led the team with seven tackles.
The game was marked by significant weather interference, including rain during the second half. BYU has now been 9-2 in one-score games over the past three seasons.
BYU returns home 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.
