In a night game that started strong for the home team, No. 23 BYU pulled away from West Virginia with a convincing 38-24 victory on Friday in Provo. The Cougars, now 5-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, leaned on big plays to keep their perfect record intact, while the Mountaineers slipped to 2-4 and 0-3 in conference action. It was the kind of win that builds momentum, but not without some sloppy moments from both sides.
Chase Roberts emerged as a key figure for BYU, hauling in several crucial receptions that stretched the field and kept the WVU defense off balance. His route-running precision opened up opportunities for freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who threw for over 200 yards and multiple scores in his second start. Indeed, Bachmeier's poise under pressure helped BYU build a 28-10 halftime lead, though the second half saw the Cougars commit turnovers that let WVU claw back briefly.
West Virginia, hampered by injuries and a struggling offense, managed just 24 points despite a late touchdown push. Their quarterback connected on a few deep balls, but the run game faltered, gaining under 100 yards. Moreover, defensive lapses allowed BYU to rack up 38 points—far more than the Mountaineers could handle. However, the Cougars' own mistakes, like fumbled snaps and a missed field goal, hinted at areas needing polish before tougher Big 12 matchups ahead.
The game unfolded under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium, drawing a lively crowd that fed off BYU's explosive starts. Roberts' contributions, including a touchdown grab in the first quarter, set the tone early. WVU fought valiantly, scoring on a pick-six and a short run, but couldn't sustain drives. In the end, BYU's depth and home-field edge proved decisive, extending their hot streak in a season already full of surprises.
As both teams look to the rest of the conference slate, questions linger about consistency in high-stakes games.