BYU’s 41-23 win over Colorado State in Fort Collins came with a clear theme: the Cougars didn’t need a huge day from Bear Bachmeier to control the game, because the ground attack and supporting cast handled the heavy lifting.
That showed up immediately in the grades. LJ Martin’s performance was the headliner, the offensive line created room all night, and the defense settled in after a shaky opening stretch to keep Colorado State from ever really grabbing momentum. The result was a comfortable road win that looked more lopsided than the final score.
At quarterback, Bachmeier earned a B-. He wasn’t sharp across the board, finishing 12-for-16 for 227 yards, with much of that total coming on his 70-yard strike to Legend Glasker early in the first half.
He forced a few throws into tight windows, especially while looking for Kyler Kasper, and one of those decisions led to his first interception of the season. He also finished with negative rushing yards, which is an unusual line for the dual-threat quarterback.
Still, he did enough for a game that never required him to carry the offense.
The running backs, though, absolutely did. That group received an A, and Martin set the tone with one of the best outings of his career: 176 yards and three touchdowns on just 15 carries.
BYU also got meaningful production from the reserves in the second half. Preston Rex ran for 24 yards on four carries and scored, while Journee Tonga added 91 yards on 10 carries and flashed the kind of cutback ability that can flip a drive in an instant.
There wasn’t much to nitpick there.
The receivers and tight ends also landed an A, even if the ball wasn’t flying around all night. Their value showed up in the little things, especially the blocking that Kalani Sitake and players pointed to after the game.
Keayen Nead handled an expanded role while Roger Saleapaga sat out as an injury precaution, and he contributed plenty in the blocking game. When the passing game did hit, Glasker was the clear standout, catching five passes for 131 yards and the long touchdown from Bachmeier.
Up front, BYU’s offensive line earned a B+. Trevin Ostler was the most notable piece after stepping in effectively for Kyle Sfarcioc at right guard, with Sfarcioc also held out as an injury precaution.
The line opened wide lanes for the backs and gave Bachmeier time to operate in the pocket. The one real blemish was the holding penalties, which need to get cleaned up before Big 12 play.
On the other side of the ball, the defensive line came away with a B. Colorado State was held under 100 rushing yards, and the Cougars kept the Rams from finding much rhythm, particularly after starting quarterback Hauss Hejny left with an injury.
The pass rush wasn’t a major factor, and the second unit gave up more yardage than the coaches likely wanted, but Tausili Akana stood out with 1.5 tackles for loss. Justin Kirkland also had a productive night and helped stabilize the interior.
The linebackers checked in at B-. Cade Uluave showed his usual flashes from the inside, though he also missed on several chances to finish plays.
Isaiah Glasker turned in what was probably his most impactful game of the season, finishing with five tackles and a hard quarterback hit. Nusi Taumoepeau was quiet, and the overall group was solid without being dominant.
The secondary earned a B+, with Cannon DeVries doing the most to lift the unit. From the slot corner spot, he posted three tackles for loss and held up well in coverage.
The cornerbacks didn’t give up many explosive plays, though there were a few moments early when the safeties looked out of sync on coverage assignments. Those issues were smoothed out as the game went on.
Special teams got an A. Fuller Shurtz’s only punt was a 53-yard beauty, and Matthias Dunn was perfect on both field goal tries, including a 44-yarder in the first half. The return and coverage units were steady, giving BYU an edge there as well.
For the coaching staff, the grade was an A-. The plan fit the game.
Offensively, BYU stayed direct and kept feeding Martin from the start, and that was the right call. Defensively, the Cougars looked vulnerable early, but they settled down and shut the door on Colorado State’s chances, making the game feel less competitive than the final score suggested.
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AJ Dybantsa Is Still Showing BYU Fans What Matters Most
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For BYU fans, it is another reminder that Dybantsas story is about more than where he was drafted or where he will make his NBA debut on Oct. 21. Being taken No. 1 overall by Washington put him on one of basketballs biggest stages, but he is still doing the quieter work that reflects what he values most, and that part of his journey may end up meaning just as much back in Provo. [Read more 🡒]