In a night game that had Provo buzzing under the lights, the No. 23 BYU Cougars pulled away from a gritty West Virginia squad, securing a 38-24 victory on Friday. The win keeps BYU's record spotless at 5-0 overall and 2-0 in conference play, while the Mountaineers slump to 2-4 and 0-3 in the Big 12. It was a matchup that promised fireworks, and though BYU delivered the big plays, the game wasn't without its sloppy moments—turnovers on both sides kept things tense longer than expected.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, the freshman sensation for the Cougars, orchestrated the offense with poise, throwing for key touchdowns and avoiding the sacks that plagued WVU's line. Chase Roberts emerged as a standout for BYU, hauling in six receptions for 112 yards and a score, his routes slicing through the Mountaineer secondary like a hot knife. Indeed, Roberts' performance highlighted BYU's explosive passing game, which racked up over 300 yards through the air. However, the Cougars' defense deserves credit too, forcing two turnovers that swung momentum decisively in the second half.
West Virginia, hampered by injuries and a porous defense, fought back valiantly. They trailed 28-10 at halftime but clawed to within 11 points early in the fourth on a touchdown from running back Diore Hubbard. Moreover, quarterback Garrett Greene scrambled for yards, but his two interceptions proved costly—gifts that BYU capitalized on with ruthless efficiency. The Mountaineers' ground game, usually a strength, managed just 98 yards, underscoring their ongoing struggles in Big 12 tilts. It's clear WVU needs adjustments, and fast, if they're to salvage this season.
BYU's victory wasn't flawless; a few dropped passes and a late unnecessary roughness call raised eyebrows, hinting at the youth still permeating this roster. Still, the Cougars' depth shone through, with contributions from across the board sealing the deal. As the Big 12 landscape tightens, one wonders how long BYU can maintain this unbeaten streak amid tougher foes ahead.