BYU Football Triumphs Over Stanford: Defense Shines

In a dominant display of defense and efficient offense, the BYU Cougars overwhelmed the Stanford Cardinal 27-3 on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The Cougars, now 2-0 for the season, demonstrated their defensive prowess while continuing to lean on the growing contributions of running back LJ Martin and true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier.

**BYU Defense Sets the Tone**

BYU’s defense was the star of the game, allowing only 161 total yards of offense by Stanford and holding them to a mere 19 rushing yards. The Cougars’ front seven, heavily questioned before the season due to a complete overhaul, silenced critics by dominating the line of scrimmage. Defensive coordinator Jay Hill’s strategy paid dividends as BYU recorded three sacks, seven tackles for loss, and forced three turnovers. Sophomore Faletau Satuala had a breakout performance, including an interception, a safety, and five tackles. According to SI.com, Satuala’s coverage grade of 89.8 and his ability to limit offensive gains were pivotal in shutting down the Cardinal attack.

Stanford interim coach Frank Reich admitted his team’s struggles, stating, “We’ve got to be better there. If we’re going to be a successful team, we have to have a balanced offense. We’ll make the improvements.” But against BYU’s smothering defense, Stanford averaged just 0.8 yards per carry in the first half and crossed midfield only once in the first three quarters.

**LJ Martin: The Offensive Workhorse**

On the offensive side, junior running back LJ Martin carried the load for the Cougars, rushing for 110 yards on 18 carries while averaging 6.1 yards per attempt. Martin has now recorded back-to-back 100-yard games to open the season, accounting for over 35% of BYU’s offensive production. “He gets stronger as the game goes on,” head coach Kalani Sitake said in the post-game press conference. “We just got to keep feeding him the ball.”

Martin’s contributions were crucial, particularly in the first half when BYU’s offense struggled to capitalize on defensive turnovers. On the opening scoring drive, Martin’s 47-yard burst set up a 3-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Bear Bachmeier. As noted by The Salt Lake Tribune, Martin’s patience and vision have made him a cornerstone of the Cougars’ offensive strategy this season.

Interestingly, Martin’s career trajectory intersects with Stanford. Years ago, he nearly committed to the Cardinal before choosing BYU. Reflecting on his decision, Martin remarked, “I really wanted to go to Stanford, but I had to convince my mom why BYU was the better choice. It’s worked out pretty well so far.”

**Bear Bachmeier Shows Potential Despite Growing Pains**

Bear Bachmeier, BYU’s true freshman quarterback, had a solid but unspectacular performance, throwing for 175 yards on 17-of-27 passing and rushing for a touchdown. While Bachmeier avoided turnovers, his inexperience showed under pressure, as he struggled with accuracy on deep throws. According to SI.com, Bachmeier posted a 65.5 passing grade under pressure, completing three of six passes in such situations. Despite his growing pains, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick expressed confidence in the young quarterback’s ability to develop over the season.

Receiver Chase Roberts emerged as Bachmeier’s favorite target, hauling in five receptions for 84 yards. The duo connected on a key 30-yard pass that helped sustain a second-half drive, which eventually culminated in Sione Moa’s 8-yard rushing touchdown to extend BYU’s lead to 24-0 late in the third quarter.

**Outlook for the Season**

With two convincing wins to start the season, BYU’s outlook in the Big 12 Conference looks promising. ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) updated BYU’s projected win total to 8.7 games, with a 30.2% chance of achieving a 10-win season. However, tougher tests await the Cougars, including matchups against Utah and TCU. As Fox13 pointed out, BYU’s defense has been its most reliable asset, allowing just 14 rushing yards through two games, the fewest in the FBS.

Looking ahead, the Cougars will have a bye week before visiting East Carolina on September 20. This break offers an opportunity to fine-tune their offensive execution and further integrate Bachmeier into the system.

BYU’s victory over Stanford showcased their defensive dominance and reliance on LJ Martin’s rushing prowess. While questions remain about their offensive consistency, the Cougars have laid a strong foundation for a potentially successful season in the Big 12 Conference.