IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Oct 5, 2026 7:26 PM
Bear Bachmeier’s rushing performance salvaged a defensive struggle in Fort Worth, but a critical injury to LJ Martin looms large as a top-ten showdown with Notre Dame nears.
The BYU Cougars football team dealt with adversity, but managed to pull out a 17-10 win over the TCU Horned Frogs on Saturday.
This one was gritty from the start, with BYU needing to find ways to move the ball down the field. There was nothing pretty about it. Yet again, not everything comes with style points. Here are three takeaways from BYU's win in Fort Worth.
Bear Bachmeier made this win possible
The BYU quarterback wasn't killing the Frogs' defense with his arm, but they couldn't stop him from using his legs. This will go down as one of the worst passing efforts in Cougars history that resulted in a win. Bachmeier took over when LJ Martin exited with a right ankle injury. He appeared to have the mentality of a rugby-style player, grinding out every yard he could. Bachmeier willed his team to victory on BYU's final scoring drive that was capped off by a 21-yard touchdown run.
There was no doubt Bear came ready to put the team on his back and ride out. This win was about Bachmeier's leadership more than anything.
LJ Martin out could have a major impact on the Cougars' season
If Martin is out for an extended period of time, BYU's rushing attack will look much different. The Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year adds tremendous value to the Cougars, and forced opposing teams to try and stop him. Without having him in the lineup, BYU has options. However, none of them can do what Martin does out of the backfield.
Don't look too far ahead, Notre Dame is coming to Provo
After Saturday's win, BYU scratched another game off the schedule and is now one contest away from facing No. 3 Notre Dame. The projected top 10 matchup brings the national spotlight to Provo with College Football Playoff implications on the line. There will be a lot riding on this game for both teams.
For BYU, being able to beat one of the best teams in the nation will prove they belong on the big stage. This will be a defining moment in the season and could put the Cougars on a crash course with history.
Kalani Sitake's team we'll have a short week to work with ahead of the Friday night matchup with Iowa State (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN). The Cyclones pulled out a 45-42 win over West Virginia last week after losing to No. 12 Utah 31-17 in Ames.
More BYU Cougars News:
Comments
Powered by RoundtableBuilt on infrastructure designed for real-time media. Learn more at RTB.io.© Roundtable 2026. By using this site you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy