BYU ran over Utah Tech in their 63-7 season-opening victory. BYU so thoroughly dominated, as they should have, that their starters didn’t play in the second half, only passed the ball twice, and they still outscored Utah Tech 21-7. They got a boost on special teams, as they’ve been getting consistently for the previous two seasons; the defense made them go plus-three in the turnover battle, yet the offense was still dominant all on their own.
In 2024, the Cougars averaged a 64th-best in the nation, 158.9 rushing yards per game. Last year it improved to 40th best in the country at 178.1 yards per game on the ground. Against Utah Tech, BYU had 308 rushing yards. The passing offense in 2024 was also in the middle of the pack, coming in ranked 65th with 231.5 yards per game. Last year they weren’t quite as good, finishing 74th in college football with 221.4 passing yards per game. They were right back at that mark in the season opener with only 213 passing yards. But again, they only threw the ball twice in the second half.
BYU has been remarkably consistent in how many points they score in a game, too. In 2024, they were 40th in the nation with 31.2 points per game, and in 2025, they were 32nd with 31.4 points per game. The Cougars exceeded those averages before the half in their win over Utah Tech. 63 points and 521 yards of offense is good, no matter who you’re playing. Things will be much different against Arizona next week.
In last year’s double-overtime victory down in Tucson, BYU was a little bit under their average passing the ball with 172 yards, but was well over their rushing average of 178.1.
BYU rushed for 258 yards, with LJ Martin leading the team with 162. The Cougs were just a bit north of their point average of 31.4, with 33 in the 33-27 victory. It seems to be who they’ve become that BYU wants to be balanced. Last year, it was mostly rushing behind LJ Martin and Bear Bachmeier out of necessity, and because they didn't want to ask a freshman quarterback to do too much. This year already looks different.
If the game against Utah Tech is any indication, BYU looks to do more running with their running backs and trust Bachmeier to make more throws. He threw the ball 20 times and ran it four times against the Trailblazers, and I doubt BYU will want him to rush the ball 22 times against Arizona like he did last year.
Bachmeier becomes that much more dangerous, though, knowing he can run when needed, whether it’s on designed plays or scrambles. BYU’s offense will also have the luxury of playing a good Arizona team in the comforts of LaVell Edwards Stadium. That should only help this offense that is another year older, wiser, and better.
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