Bear Bachmeier runs for 2 TDs as No. 10 BYU overcomes loss of LJ Martin to beat TCU 17-10

FORT WORTH, Texas (AP) — BYU's Bear Bachmeier rushed for two touchdowns, including a decisive 21-yard run with just 2:06 remaining, as the No. 10 Cougars secured a 17-10 win over TCU on a rainy Saturday night. Martin, BYU's AP Big 12 offensive player of the year from the previous season, only managed two carries for 16 yards in the first quarter due to an apparent lower leg injury.

For the majority of the game, both teams struggled to gain significant yardage, totaling 72 of the 216 combined yards in the final drive. Bachmeier initially engaged with a teammate before breaking free through several TCU defenders inside the 10-yard line, extending the lead to 17-7. TCU managed to score a 44-yard field goal from Nate McCashland with 32 seconds left, but failed to recover an onside kick.

Matthias Bunn kicked a 49-yard field goal for BYU on their opening drive after halftime, giving them the lead to hold onto. Bachmeier converted third downs on two occasions, with one being an 8-yard gain following a fumbled snap. TCU struggled to muster 259 total yards. Jaden Craig, the Harvard transfer who had averaged 303.3 passing yards per game, completed 18 of 25 passes for 187 yards with a touchdown and an interception that turned out to be the sole turnover of the game.

TCU had only 16 yards to cover over six plays after Faletau Satuala intercepted the ball and returned it 59 yards mid-second quarter, setting up Bachmeier's 9-yard touchdown catch. Earlier in the half, Bachmeier had to recover a poorly thrown snap, then managed to throw the ball out of bounds to prevent a significant defensive loss.

TCU tied the game with Craig's 13-yard touchdown pass to Kari Ashley with 27 seconds left in the half, a 8-play, 76-yard drive following their 22 plays and 75 yards before that. The result: BYU without Martin, Bachmeier showcased resilience, finishing with 66 yards on 15 carries and a 11-of-24 completion for 62 yards on passing.

TCU, now 0-2 in Big 12 play for the first time since 2013, faces a 2-3 record and 0-2 in conference matches.