BYU got off to a quick start and came through late in a 33-27 double overtime win at Arizona Saturday night in Tucson.
BYU had 51 rushing attempts on the night, and Bear Bachmeier’s 2-yard TD run with 19 seconds left in regulation forced overtime and a 7-yard TD run in double overtime was ultimately the winning score. BYU’s defense held the ensuing possession and forced an incomplete pass from Noah Fifita on the game’s final play.
BYU jumped out to a 14-point lead in the first quarter after a 28-yard
TD run from LJ Martin and 75-yard TD catch from Parker Kingston. A 74-minute lightning delay paused play after the first quarter, and Arizona rattled off 24 unanswered points to build a 10-point lead. BYU converted a field goal with 4:08 left and Bear’s 2-yard TD run with 19 seconds left forced overtime.
Bachmeier didn’t have his best game throwing the ball — completing 12/29 passes for 172 yards, 1 TD, and 2 picks — but he carried the ball 22 times for 89 yards and 2 touchdowns. LJ Martin had a career day on the ground, carrying the ball 25 times for 162 yards and 1 touchdown. Those two led a BYU rushing attack that piled up 258 yards on the ground.
BYU played the game without some of their top defensive players. Star linebacker Jack Kelly was a gametime decision, but BYU ultimately held him out. He should be back for the Utah game. Starting defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa was ejected from the game in the second quarter for a targeting penalty and did not return.
BYU as a team had 430 yards of offense and held the Wildcats to 383 yards. Arizona star QB Noah Fifita had some nice throws, but BYU held him to 25/45 with 219 passing yards.
BYU moves to 6-0 on the season and hosts 5-1 Utah next week in Provo.
