The BYU Cougars bounced back following a shocking double-overtime upset at UFC in Orlando last week. But the 27-20 win over Arizona State was far from pretty. Nevertheless, Kalani Sitake's team avoided another meltdown and took care of business ahead of the first College Football Playoff rankings next week.

BYU is 7-1 with the biggest matchup on the horizon with Utah. The latest edition of the Holy War will carry a ton of national interest with Playoff implications on the line. How did the Cougars pull off the victory on Saturday? Here are three takeaways from the contest in Provo.

Talk about one of the worst performances for the Cougars in recent years. The Cougars ran for just 67 yards at an average of 2.4 yards per carry against the Sun Devils. That's not a typo. Sione Moa led BYU with eight carries for 20 yards and two scores. One of the most productive stat lines, but also a clear snapshot of how the Cougars are missing LJ Martin. ASU's mediocre run defense should've never frustrated BYU, but they did.

Martin could potentially return from injury next week. Having him back for the Holy War should be the boost the Cougars need to take the pressure off Bachmeier.

BYU's defense was on fire early. They registered six sacks and forced a turnover before halftime. That total set BYU’s record for sacks in a single half and gave the program its most sacks in a game since 2020. Arizona State put a stop to that with adjustments at halftime. The Sun Devils scored two touchdowns and kicked a field goal on its four-second half drives, averaging 4.8 yards per play and 4.5 yards per carry.

While BYU’s defense was certainly better on Saturday. If they had remained at the same level after halftime, this score would've been a lot wider. However, a win is just what the Cougars need right now. Moving on to face Utah, it will be where no mistake can happen.

Every time BYU needed a spark or big moment, Bachmeier was there to answer the call. The sophomore QB did what he does best and lifted the Cougars to another victory. He made an ill-advised throw for an interception, but none of that mattered as BYU notched another win. Bachmeier can't do it all week after week. With Martin coming back, the weight will be spread more evenly across the offense.

BYU heads to Salt Lake City for the important Holy War matchup with No. 6 Utah on Saturday (Noon ET, ABC or ESPN).