Under the bright lights of LaVell Edwards Stadium and in front of a raucous, sold-out crowd split between Cougar blue and Utah red, true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a performance that will go down in rivalry history.
Bachmeier threw for 166 yards and one touchdown and ran for another 62 yards and a score, powering No. 15 BYU to a 24-21 victory over No. 23 Utah on Saturday night. The win pushed the Cougars to 7-0 overall (4-0 Big 12) and marked their third straight victory over their archrival — their longest winning streak against Utah since 1989–1992.
Running back LJ Martin added 122 rushing yards, marking his fifth 100-yard game of the season, while Utah’s Daniel Bray countered with 121 yards and a 49-yard touchdown that briefly gave the Utes the lead early in the fourth quarter.
But the moment belonged to Bachmeier — the freshman phenom once described by Portland State’s coach as a “got dang centaur” — who responded with composure beyond his years. Following Bray’s score, Bachmeier led back-to-back touchdown drives capped by runs from Parker Kingston and himself, sealing the 24-21 victory in front of 64,794 fans.
“It was crazy and exhilarating,” Bachmeier said. “It was a lot of emotions — but it was good to get the win.”
BYU’s Defense Holds Steady
Despite being outgained 470–370, BYU’s defense held strong when it mattered most. Faletau Satuala recorded a career-high 12 tackles, and Tanner Wall added 10 tackles and an interception that set up Bachmeier’s game-clinching touchdown run.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier — nicknamed “Spida” — threw for 244 yards and two touchdowns, including a late 2-yard score to Larry Simmons that narrowed the margin to three with just 90 seconds left. But it wasn’t enough to overcome penalties, a muffed punt recovery by Talan Alfrey, and several missed red-zone opportunities.
Rivalry Fire Rekindled
The Cougars’ victory cements BYU’s dominance in one of college football’s fiercest rivalries. Twenty-one of the last 25 matchups have been decided by a single score, and Saturday’s contest was no different. As the final seconds ticked away, BYU fans once again stormed the field — despite coach Kalani Sitake’s half-joking pregame request not to.
“We told them not to storm the field,” Sitake said with a grin. “They did it anyway.”
Confidence and Composure
Martin credited the team’s calm mindset for the comeback. “We just knew we needed to finish a drive,” he said. “We believed we were due for one — and that belief carried us.”
With the win, BYU continues its undefeated season and solidifies its Big 12 title hopes, while Utah drops to 5-2 (2-2 Big 12) after a night filled with missed chances and crucial mistakes.
Bachmeier’s resilience, leadership, and flair for the dramatic have quickly made him a fan favorite in Provo — and his name now joins the lore of BYU’s greatest rivalry heroes.
