BYU football looks like a throwback Big Ten squad
Cougars are succeeding through ground game, defense, and special teams
As someone who follows both BYU and Ohio State, it’s ironic to watch them playing the opposite of what they once did. Ohio State now thrives on explosive passing and a high-scoring attack, while BYU focuses on pounding the run, limiting errors, and excelling on defense and special teams. In the past, their approaches were reversed. So far this season, BYU has looked like an old-school Big Ten program.
It begins with running the ball. After their performance versus Portland State, it was clear BYU would continue establishing the ground game against Stanford. The Cardinal still had no answer. LJ Martin again topped 100 yards, finishing with 110 on 18 carries. Sione Moa and Bear Bachmeier added to the total with one rushing touchdown apiece.
The passing attack followed the same formula. Create plays when possible but avoid costly mistakes. Bachmeier went 17-of-27 for 175 yards. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but the key stat was zero turnovers. The freshman wisely leaned on Chase Roberts, BYU’s top wideout. Roberts hauled in five receptions for 84 yards.
Then there was Jay Hill’s defense, which completely dominated. BYU surrendered only 161 total yards while holding Stanford to just 19 rushing yards. They also won the turnover margin, picking off two passes and forcing a fumble. Those interceptions gave the offense 50 return yards, and the defense even scored two points with a safety. Through two games, they’ve allowed just three total points, an outstanding beginning.
Special teams rounded out the effort. While Parker Kingston had issues in returns, Tiger Bachmeier and Cody Hagen combined for 105 return yards. Punter Sam Vander Haar delivered three kicks averaging 43.7 yards, each one downed inside the 20. Kicker Will Ferrin continued his flawless season, going 4-for-4 and providing 13 points. He’s building a case as BYU’s best ever.
The blueprint for BYU is producing yards and points any way possible. They finished with 487 all-purpose yards and 27 points, right near their Kalani Sitake Era averages, despite a fairly modest offensive game. Through two weeks, this squad resembles Ohio State’s early 2000s teams—efficient running, careful offense, punishing defense, and impactful special teams. It may not match BYU’s past identity, but winning is what truly counts.
