BYU’s defense set the tone early and the offense ramped up in the second half in a 34-13 road win over ECU.
Bear Bachmeier was fantastic in his first road start, completing 18/25 passes (72%) for 246 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 26 rushing yards, and 1 rushing TD. BYU didn’t have an offensive TD in the first half, but Bachmeier showed tremendous poise and decision making as the game went along. LJ Martin had 101 rushing yards and a 41-yard rushing TD, and Chase Roberts led all receivers with 97 receiving
yards on 5 grabs. Tight End Carson Ryan had BYU’s lone receiving TD and finished with 71 yards and 5 receptions.
The offense came alive in the second half, but the defense set the tone in the first half. BYU went into halftime up 13-3, thanks to a goal line interception by Evan Johnson and a 1-yard pick six on ECU’s next pass attempt right before halftime. ECU QB Katin Houser made some nice plays on third and long and finished with 285 yards, but BYU largely kept ECU’s offense in check and felt in control most of the game.
BYU is now 3-0 on the season heading into next week’s Big 12 opener at Colorado. The Buffaloes have two early-season losses to Georgia Tech and Houston, but it should be a raucous environment next Saturday night on ESPN.
