Eighth-ranked Brigham Young University secured a 27-20 victory over Arizona State, fending off a significant second-half rally from the unranked Sun Devils. The Cougars maintained their perfect home record following a hard-fought contest where they pulled away in the final quarter.
Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier was instrumental in the win, throwing for 236 yards and a touchdown. BYU established an early lead marked by an unusual scoring play. After Bachmeier fumbled near the goal line, running back Sione Moa recovered the ball and crossed the plane, putting BYU up 7-0.
Sun Devils Fight Back
Arizona State quarterback Jake Fette, making his first career start, experienced a turbulent beginning. On the third play of the Sun Devils' opening drive, Fette fumbled, and Isaiah Glasker of BYU recovered the ball at the ASU 29-yard line, setting up the Cougars' initial touchdown opportunity. However, Fette later found his rhythm, finishing the game with 166 passing yards and two touchdowns.
The Sun Devils' second scoring drive was initiated by a crucial turnover when Adrian Wilson recovered a fumble by BYU's Kyler Kasper at the Cougars' 39-yard line.
Arizona State mounted an impressive comeback in the third quarter, erasing a 14-point deficit with two touchdown passes from Fette. Their first scoring possession saw them convert three third-down attempts, culminating in Omarion Miller’s 20-yard touchdown reception. The momentum continued on their subsequent drive, where they successfully converted two fourth downs before Anthony Miller Jr. hauled in a 1-yard scoring catch, leveling the score at 17 points apiece.
Cougars Seal the Win
Despite Arizona State's resurgence, BYU regained control in the final quarter, shutting out the Sun Devils defensively. A 45-yard field goal propelled BYU back into the lead. With just over two minutes remaining, Sione Moa secured the victory with his second touchdown of the game, a 1-yard run, extending the lead to 27-20.
This defeat marks Arizona State's third road loss of the season against an opponent ranked in the top 10.
Looking ahead, BYU will face an in-state rivalry challenge, traveling to Salt Lake City next week to play against Utah. Arizona State will return home to Tempe to host Colorado. Earlier on Saturday, Colorado secured an overtime victory against Kansas State, ending the Buffaloes’ recent losing streak.