BYU’s 'Bear Raid' offense leads the way in comeback win over Iowa State

BYU found themselves in quite a pickle early in their game against Iowa State. The defense was reeling, their all-American running back went out for the game with an injured left shoulder, and they were down 17-7 at the end of the first quarter, and 24-10 near the end of the second. In the face of a tough road game, BYU would bank on Bear.

Chase from Bear set up BYU in the first quarter, inside the five-yard line, and LJ Martin would get a touchdown before his injury. Bachmeier would lead BYU to a Will Ferrin field goal off of Logan Lutui’s interception, but Bear would strike. He led the Cougars on a 60-yard touchdown drive in only 1:20, which he capped off with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Parker Kingston. That made the score a manageable 24-17 at the half.

The second half was all Bachmeier and BYU. Out of the gate, they went 57 yards but had to settle for another Will Ferrin field goal. Right after that, the BYU defense, which had a very difficult first half, stepped up. They got their first three-and-out of the game, and it was a huge one. Bachmeier and the Cougar offense went 79 yards in 4:28. Bachmeier bulldozed his way for a touchdown, like a famous Florida Gator used to. That gave BYU their first lead of the day, 27-24. Iowa State would tie the game 27-27 with a field goal heading into the fourth quarter.

Boosted by a huge special teams play, Bachmeier would hit Kingston for his second touchdown of the game, giving BYU a 34-27 lead. A pick-six by Satuala would give BYU the 41-27 victory. The defensive turnaround from the first half to the second half was huge, but the BYU victory was built on their Bear Raid offense.

Iowa State had had 21 straight games without allowing the opposing quarterback to surpass the 300-yard mark. Bachmeier broke that streak with his first career 300-yard game. Not only was Bear elite at passing, but he was again a threat running the ball, and this time without LJ Martin to back him up. Bachmeier was 22 of 35 for 307 yards and two touchdowns passing the ball. He added his usual on the ground with 49 yards and a touchdown. Just as importantly, he never turned the ball over.

You’ve heard of the Air Raid offense? BYU is 8-0 behind their Bear Raid offense. Bachmeier is 126 of 201 for 1,693 yards and 11 passing touchdowns. He also has 94 carries for 408 yards and nine rushing touchdowns. He has 2,101 yards of total offense and 20 total touchdowns. The Bear Raid is producing 262.6 yards and 15 points per game, and has BYU averaging 36.2 points per game.