No. 10 BYU overcomes offensive struggles, injuries to beat TCU 17-10

FORT WORTH, Texas — Despite struggles on offense and losing key players due to injury, BYU earned its first win in Fort Worth since 2006 with a 17-10 win over TCU.

LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker both exited the game in the first half, and the absence of Martin contributed to a sluggish game from the Cougars' offense. Bear Bachmeier struggled throwing the ball, going 11-of-24 for 62 yards, but his legs made the difference.

Following a missed field goal from the Horned Frogs, Bachmeier helped lead a touchdown drive that increased BYU's lead to 10. And for the second time in the game, Bachmeier rushed for a touchdown, this one on a 21-yard run. Bachmeier totaled 66 yards on the ground to lead the Cougars, but the offense mustered just 216 yards in the win.

"That was a gritty game, and give a lot of credit to TCU," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said. "Those guys came ready to play and made things difficult for us. We all had to deal with the elements — that's on both sides. I'm just proud of the guys and the fact that they were able to get the win."

Timely blitzes called by defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga helped BYU get off the field on third down multiple times, and three third-down sacks helped force punts from TCU to give the ball back to the Cougars. BYU entered Saturday's game with just three sacks on the season, but finished with four on the day.

"I think K-Pop was just letting the boys go," Sitake said. "I like that we were able to have some really tight man coverage and take some chances, and take some risks because it paid off."

It wasn't until the second quarter that points were put on the board when Bachmeier scampered up the middle for a 9-yard rushing touchdown. Faletau Satuala had picked off a pass from Horned Frogs quarterback Jaden Craig on a fourth down try and returned it all the way back to TCU's 16-yard line, setting up Bachmeier's score.

Penalties and negative plays hurt BYU on multiple drives throughout the game, preventing the Cougars from taking advantage of a strong defensive performance.

"Defensively, I thought the guys did a good job all together," Sitake said. "Nothing's ever perfect, but I think the energy and the effort that the guys played with, we were able to overcome. We had issues with penalties, false starts. That doesn't happen to us often, but they were doing some movement up front and causing some issues."

The Horned Frogs evened things up before the end of the first half when Craig, who finished the day 18-of-25 for 187 yards and a touchdown and interception, found tight end Kari Ashley in the end zone. Ashley led all players with 108 receiving yards on six catches.

After the Cougars took a 10-point lead on Bachmeier's second rushing touchdown, the defense was able to hold the Horned Frogs to a field goal and then recovered the ensuing onside kick to kneel out the clock and secure the win.

"They hung together, made some adjustments," Sitake said. "I liked ending the game how we did, which was a long drive, getting in the end zone. Bear just took over."

It wasn't the pretty result expected coming off a bye and an extra week to prepare, but considering the injuries and rain, the Cougars were able to still prove they can win games with adversity.

"I feel like we needed this type of game," Sitake said. "I feel like it was really good for our program, good for the team."

As for injury updates, Sitake said both Martin and Glakser weren't on crutches and that he's "encouraged with that, but you never know until you get a look at it and get the MRIs and things like that."

It will be a short week for BYU, with Iowa State coming to town Friday for a night matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium. Kickoff is slated for 8:15 p.m. MT.

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