For the first time in 20 years, BYU beat TCU in Fort Worth.
It may have been pretty ugly and frustrating at times, but the Cougars overcame injuries, neglect and adverse weather conditions to earn a 17-10 victory over the upstart Horned Frogs on Saturday.
BYU is now 4-0 this season – and 2-0 in the Big 12.
3 takeaways
BYU was carried away by its shorthanded ground attack. The Cougars were dealt a major blow when LJ Martin was injured on his second run Saturday, knocking out the bell cow for the rest of the game.
Yet even without Martin, BYU continued to pound the rock. The Cougars ultimately ran 36 times as a team for 157 yards. Much of the rushing load came out of necessity, as rainy conditions led to an unusually shaky passing night for Bear Bachmeier, who threw for just 62 yards with a 46 percent completion rate.
But Bachmeier spearheaded BYU’s success on the ground with two touchdowns, finding the end zone on runs of nine and 21 yards each. The bruised sophomore braved contact all night, recording 15 carries for 66 yards after running the ball just 12 times in three previous 2026 games.
Additionally, Preston Rex, Journee Tonga and Legend Glasker replaced Martin to combine for 75 yards against TCU’s stout run defense.
Given the weather, injuries and penalties on the offensive line, the Cougars couldn’t have won this game any other way. Staying committed to the race, even when the results were disappointing at times, paid off for BYU, which needed to win the battle against the clock, protect the football and wear down the Horned Frogs in order to escape with a victory.
The Cougar defense impressed. BYU held TCU to 259 total yards and a 4-of-13 mark on third down, forcing six punts and allowing just 2.4 yards per carry.
Faletau Saturala played the hero early on, snagging an interception for a 59-yard return to set up Bachmeier’s first touchdown.
BYU’s pass rush had its best performance of the season, with Nusi Taumoepeau, Tausili Akana, Braxton Lindsey and Jake Clifton all coming home for sacks.
The main thing? Holding a conference opponent to just 10 points on their home court is no easy feat. Defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga’s unit is undoubtedly solid. All that remains is for him to get back to better health.
The injuries are piling up for BYU. Health has not been on the Cougars’ side in 2026, and Saturday was no exception.
In addition to Martin, linebacker Isaiah Glasker and defensive back Cannon DeVries each left the game early and never returned, and linebacker Cade Uluave also missed a defensive series at one point.
BYU is already without Raider Damuni and Andrew Gentry, among other contributors. Losing Martin for any length of time would be brutal for the Cougars, especially heading into Notre Dame in two weeks.
Glasker and DeVries aren’t minor losses either. BYU has decent depth, but if the injury bug continues to bite, it will eventually become impossible to overcome.
Iowa State travels to Provo next Friday, giving BYU a short week to prepare for — and recover from — the Cyclones.
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