PROVO, Utah — No. 15 BYU rallied to defeat Arizona 28-17 in Saturday's game, powered by quarterback Bear Bachmeier's performance. Bachmeier threw for 217 yards and three touchdowns, additionally running for another score.
The victory marks the Cougars' first conference win of the season, improving their record to 2-0 overall and 1-0 in the Big 12. Head coach Kalani Sitake's record against Arizona now stands at 6-0 following the win.
Running back LJ Martin contributed significantly to BYU's ground game, carrying the ball 20 times for 98 yards. The Cougars' offensive efforts were complemented by a strong defensive showing, particularly in the second half, where they shut out Arizona.
Arizona, now with a 1-1 overall record and 0-1 in conference play, was led by quarterback Noah Fifita, who passed for 230 yards and a touchdown, also adding a rushing touchdown. The Wildcats were effective early in the game, scoring on three of their first six drives but failed to add any points after halftime.
Arizona took an early lead when Fifita completed 6 of 7 passes on their opening drive, capping it with an 11-yard scramble for a touchdown. BYU quickly responded, tying the game on a 6-yard run by Bachmeier after Cade Uluave returned an interception to Arizona's 9-yard line.
The Cougars gained their first lead of the game at 14-10 early in the second quarter. Reggie Frischknecht caught a short pass over the middle, turning it into a 25-yard touchdown, his first career collegiate score. However, Arizona reclaimed the lead before halftime, 17-14, with Fifita connecting with Shane King on a 16-yard pass.
Throughout the first half, Fifita efficiently moved the chains for Arizona, making clean reads and executing big plays that kept BYU's defense off balance. The Wildcats maintained possession for 21 1/2 minutes in the first half, assembling two long scoring drives that totaled 22 combined plays.
The dynamic of the game shifted in the second half as BYU increased its defensive pressure. The Cougars allowed minus-2 rushing yards after halftime and recorded back-to-back sacks on Fifita in the fourth quarter. This defensive dominance allowed BYU's offense to take control.
Bachmeier delivered a pair of short touchdown passes to Kyler Kasper, helping BYU establish a 28-17 lead with 6:10 remaining in the game. Following Kasper's first touchdown, Arizona had an opportunity for a go-ahead score, but Rodney Gallagher III was tackled short of the first-down marker at the BYU 17-yard line on fourth down, squashing the Wildcats' hopes.
Looking ahead, BYU will play at Colorado State next Saturday, while Arizona is set to host Northern Illinois.