BYU Football Remains Undefeated, Overcomes Turnovers in 38-24 Victory Over West Virginia
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BYU football continues its impressive season, moving to 5-0 after a decisive 38-24 win against West Virginia at LaVell Edwards Stadium on Friday night. Despite a handful of costly turnovers, the Cougars demonstrated resilience and dominance, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, setting the stage for a challenging stretch of games ahead.
Offensive Firepower Tempered by Mistakes
The BYU offense showcased its potential, earning a B grade despite three crucial giveaways. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a stellar performance, completing 72% of his passes for 351 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, adding 43 rushing yards to his tally. The passing game, which had been relatively quiet earlier in the season, finally exploded with significant contributions from wide receivers Chase Roberts (161 yards) and Parker Kingston (111 yards), both achieving career-highs. Running back LJ Martin continued his consistent production, racking up 90 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries.
However, the offense’s brilliance was somewhat overshadowed by the turnovers. Bachmeier threw his first interception of his career, a short screen pass that was intercepted by a well-positioned middle linebacker. According to one observer, the play call itself was questionable in that moment. A batted-down pitch attempt and a fumble by running back Jovesa Damuni inside the BYU five-yard line further compounded the issue, gifting West Virginia valuable field position. Despite these setbacks, the coaching staff remains optimistic, believing Bachmeier will adjust and learn from these mistakes. “These turnovers offer valuable lessons for BYU to learn from in a win,” a senior official stated, “just in time for a very difficult six-game stretch ahead.”
Dominant Defense Shines Despite Key Injuries
The BYU defense earned an A- grade, demonstrating remarkable resilience despite losing key linebackers Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker to injury. The Cougars limited West Virginia to just 135 passing yards and a mere 3.3 yards per carry. Notably, all three of the Mountaineers’ touchdown drives occurred in low-leverage situations – after short drives and late in the game when BYU held a comfortable lead.
The defense faced its biggest challenge when the offense repeatedly turned the ball over in its own territory. Fortunately, crucial interceptions by Therrian Alexander III and Tanner Wall thwarted potential scoring drives. Depth proved to be a strength, with Max Alford, Miles Hall, and Ace Kaufusi stepping up at linebacker and holding their own. This performance underscored the depth BYU has cultivated as a member of the Big 12.
Special Teams Solid, But Ferrin Struggles
BYU’s special teams received an A- grade, highlighted by a successful recovery of a West Virginia onside kick attempt. However, kicker Will Ferrin continued to struggle with field goal consistency, missing his second consecutive attempt – a 48-yard try on the opening drive. He did redeem himself later with a 37-yard make and played a key role in a successful fake field goal, with punter and holder Sam Vander Haar rushing for 11 yards on a 4th-and-six conversion.
Looking Ahead: A Tough Road Test Awaits
BYU secured the victory despite the score being closer than the game felt, with ESPN’s win probability chart indicating the Cougars’ chances of winning never dipped below 92.2%. The team demonstrated an ability to respond to adversity and stretch the field with its passing attack. Overall, it was a strong showing for the Cougars as they prepare for their biggest test yet: a road game at Arizona on Saturday, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.
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