BYU is back in the win column.
It was far from pretty, but the Cougars bounced back from last week’s letdown against UCF to defeat Arizona State 27-20 Saturday afternoon in Provo.
BYU is now 7-1 on the season and 4-1 in Big 12 play with a massive matchup at Utah next up on the schedule.
3 takeaways
BYU was abysmal on the ground. Excluding kneeldowns, the Cougars ran for just 67 yards at an average of 2.4 yards per carry against the Sun Devils.
Such a performance would be concerning against anyone, but Arizona State had been allowing more than 146 rushing yards per game prior to Saturday. A mediocre run defense frustrated BYU all day long.
Without a consistent ground attack to lean on, the Cougars’ offense was anything but sharp, punting three times, committing two turnovers and failing to win the clock battle.
LJ Martin could potentially return from injury next week for BYU’s rivalry showdown with Utah — and boy, do the Cougars need his production right now.
BYU bounced back with a 27-20 win over Arizona State on Saturday afternoon, but it wasn’t easy. Now, the Cougars’ focus turns to Rivalry Week and Utah.
The Cougar defense flashed early — in historic fashion, even — but gradually worsened. BYU opened the game with a bang, as a Nusi Taumoepeau strip sack gave the Cougars a takeaway on the day’s third play to set up a Sione Moa touchdown.
In addition to Taumoepeau, five other Cougars — Isaiah Glasker, Cade Uluave, Ace Kaufusi, Miles Hall and Bodie Schoonover — all had sacks before halftime, breaking BYU’s record for sacks in a single half and giving the program its most sacks in a game since 2020.
But in the final 30 minutes, not only were the Cougars held sack-less, but they didn’t have a single tackle for loss, either.
Arizona State scored two touchdowns and kicked a field goal in its four second half drives, averaging 4.8 yards per play and 4.5 yards per carry.
Two Sun Devil scoring drives contained more than 10 plays each, as Arizona State went 4 of 8 on third down in the half and 2 for 2 on fourth down.
While BYU’s defense was certainly better on Saturday than last week at UCF, the Cougars’ tackling remains a concern, and their overall consistency must improve, especially against opponents such as the Sun Devils or Knights who are starting backup quarterbacks.
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) dives for a first down during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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A BYU student intently watches his team play a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) makes a catch for a touchdown during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham complains to referees about a call during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cardae Mack (25) tries to shake a tackle during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cardae Mack (25) evades the reach of BYU Cougars linebacker Cade Uluave (4) during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU fans loudly cheer on their team during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars tight end Walker Lyons (7) runs with the ball during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) picks up Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Raiden Vines-Bright (7) and slams him down during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Montana Warren (7) runs with the ball after making an interception during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Derek Eusebio (5) watches the ball just out of his reach during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars cornerback Jayven Williams (15) tackles Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) taunts BYU Cougars cornerback Jayven Williams (15) after making a catch for a touchdown during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Omarion Miller (4) celebrates a touchdown during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) makes a catch during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is sent into the air after a low tackle during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars tight end Roger Saleapaga II (2) takes a midair hit from Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Montana Warren (7) during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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A BYU student sings with his classmates during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils head coach Kenny Dillingham orders his players to ‘shake hands like gentleman’ after losing a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils wide receiver Reed Harris (3) and BYU Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) fight for the ball in the air during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) prepares to catch the ball during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) runs with the ball during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is stopped at the goal line by Arizona State Sun Devils linebacker Owen Long (22) while jumping over a pile of lineman during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cardae Mack (25) runs with the ball during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars tight end Roger Saleapaga II (2) runs with the ball after a reception during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Jake Fette (2) throws the ball during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) runs with the ball during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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Arizona State Sun Devils running back Cardae Mack (25) runs with the ball during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars defensive tackle Justin Kirkland (96) hypes up the student section before a play during a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws a fake pass after a handoff during warmups before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks onto the field for pre-game warmups before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake walks down the tunnel with his players before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU players warm up before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up with his team before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News 
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BYU Cougars linebacker Gage Tanner (51) high fives fans as he trots down the tunnel before a game against Arizona State at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, October 31, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU derailed its chances for a blowout, but made plays late to survive. With just over a minute left to play in the first half, BYU led 17-3 and had marched into Arizona State territory. The Cougars possessed all the momentum and were on their way to add more points before halftime.
Given last week’s upset in Orlando, BYU leading by more than two touchdowns in the first half would have felt like an appropriate response to feel better about the Cougars’ road ahead as a Big 12 title contender.
But Bear Bachmeier was intercepted by the Sun Devils after underthrowing a wide-open Walker Lyons, and just like that, all of BYU’s momentum melted away.
The Cougars then went three-and-out to open the second half and quickly fumbled on their following drive. Arizona State, meanwhile, capitalized on BYU’s struggles with a pair of touchdowns to knot the score at 17 points apiece.
After Matthias Dunn field goal reclaimed the lead for BYU, its defense finally managed to force an ASU punt for the first time since the second quarter, with the Sun Devils pinning the Cougars at their own 5-yard line.
Leading by three points and with eight minutes left to play, Bachmeier subsequently led BYU on one of its most impressive, gutsy and crucial drives of the 2026 campaign, traveling 95 yards on 11 plays for Moa’s second touchdown to extend the Cougars’ lead to 10 points.
BYU converted a pair of fourth downs on the critical series, including at its own 14-yard line. Bachmeier broke out of his explosive play slump with a 53-yard completion to Legend Glasker and also found tight ends Lyons and Roger Saleapaga for important pickups.
When the stakes were highest down the stretch, the Cougar offense got the job done and ended on a high note, even if the defense created a smidge of further drama by allowing a field goal right after.
In all, BYU largely underwhelmed on Saturday. The Cougars didn’t do enough to fully look the part as a top 10 team. What could have been a cruise to victory turned into an unnecessary dogfight, largely by BYU’s own fault.
There’s plenty to clean up for the Cougars if they want to defeat Utah next week, but there’s also a golden opportunity at Rice-Eccles Stadium to silence their doubters, shed the “overrated” label and further pave their path to the playoff.
We’ll see which BYU shows up in Salt Lake City next Saturday.