BYU’s offense played to its strengths against Arizona, and it led them to success

BYU came into the game at Arizona on Saturday night with the nation’s 28th-best total offense, with 451.8 yards per game. They’d been averaging 38.4 points per game, good enough for 21st in the nation. That included a rushing attack that had been averaging 234 rushing yards per game and had scored 14 rushing touchdowns this season. This was done behind a good offensive line that had only given up four sacks all season, which was tied for 5th best in the country.

The Cougars were a little short of their points average, scoring 33 against Arizona. They were almost right on the money with 430 yards against the Wildcats (just 21.8 below their average). Their offensive line gave up only one sack, and it was these guys who would help win the day against Arizona. BYU would exceed their 234 rushing yards per game with 258 and would add three more touchdowns on the ground. LJ Martin, Bear Bachmeier, and the Cougar rushing attack were the difference.

Bachmeier struggled to throw the ball once the rain came. He would finish the game 12 of 29 for 172 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions. Take away a 75-yard bomb to Parker Kingston, and Bachmeier has only 11 completions, 97 yards, and two picks. But when they needed him the most, Bear Bachmeier got it done the hard way for BYU.

Bear Bachmeier and LJ Martin are a ridiculous rushing attack for BYU. Bear had 22 carries for 89 yards and two touchdowns. His first rushing touchdown was scored with only 19 seconds left in the fourth quarter to tie the game 24-24 and send it to overtime.

His second rushing touchdown came in the second overtime and gave BYU the 33-27 lead that, thanks to their defense, would hold as the final score. I know he’s only played half of a regular season, but Bear Bachmeier reminds me of Tim Tebow in his dual threat as a passer and as a rusher.

LJ Martin was a force of nature for BYU, and Bear Bachmeier is not an effective runner without the ability to hand it to the most underrated running back in America. Martin would tote the rock 25 times for 162 yards and one touchdown. Most of these carries were running in the interior, right at the Desert Swarm defense of Arizona.

Bahcmeier has had 71 carries for 295 yards and seven touchdowns rushing the ball this season. Martin has had 101 carries for 652 yards and four touchdowns. When these two get going, they can carry the entire team on their backs to victory for BYU, just like they did in the 33-27 double overtime win over Arizona.