Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Jackson Payne
By Jackson Payne
Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.

What a start to the season for BYU.

The Cougars opened the 2025 campaign in dominant fashion, defeating Portland State 69-0 Saturday night in Provo.

With the win, BYU improves to 9-1 in season openers under Kalani Sitake. The Cougars also scored more points than any other game thus far in the Sitake era, recorded the largest margin of victory for a shutout in program history and saw the highest single-game attendance at LaVell Edwards Stadium (64,494) since 2009.

3 takeaways

Bear Bachmeier had a night to remember. In his first career collegiate start, the Cougars’ true freshman QB had as many total touchdowns (five) as incomplete passes.

Sure, he started a bit slow, and Portland State isn’t exactly the toughest competition, but Bachmeier’s performance remains impressive regardless — so much so that BYU elected to end his night at halftime after orchestrating a 49-0 lead.

He connected with Chase Roberts, Noah Moeaki and Carsen Ryan for touchdowns and ran for another 32 yards on five carries for two more scores.

BYU’s upcoming opponents will only grow more challenging, but as far as a first-ever start for a freshman is concerned, Bachmeier looked about as good as anyone could have hoped and offered plenty for fans to be optimistic about moving forward.

BYU ran wild. The Cougars did plenty on the ground to make Bachmeier’s life easier, running for 468 yards as a team at an average of 9.8 yards per carry.

LJ Martin led the way with eight carries for 131 yards, with eight other BYU players adding at least 20 yards each as well.

Receivers Cody Hagen and Dominique McKenzie both scored on well-designed reverse and jet sweep plays respectively, Charlie Miska added a touchdown in the game’s final minutes and Bachmeier himself found the end zone twice.

The overall rushing effort marked BYU’s best since running for 550 yards against Texas in 2013.

The Cougar defense is still a major strength. Jay Hill’s unit was the star of the show for BYU in 2024, and such a trend looks like it could continue into 2025.

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The Cougars pitched a shutout against the Vikings — their first since blanking Sam Houston State in 2023 — and allowed just 53 total yards at an average of 1.4 yards per play.

Additionally, BYU held Portland State to -5 yards rushing and recorded two sacks — one from Anisi Purcell and another from Choe Bryant-Strother — with nine tackles for loss.

But perhaps the most impressive element of the Cougars’ defensive effort was that only 45.9% of the team’s snaps on defense were played by starters, meaning backup and reserve players played the majority of the shutout.

Again, Portland State is far from a powerhouse, but BYU allowing just 53 total yards and no points will always be impressive no matter the competition.

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Brigham Young University Cougars tight end Noah Moeaki (82) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Cougarettes perform during the break after the first quarter of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young University Cougars cheerleaders look on before the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Portland State Vikings quarterback CJ Jordan (7) passes during the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Students lock arms and move back and forth before kickoff of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle John Taumoepeau (55) blocks a field goal attempt by the Portland State Vikings during the first quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars tight end Noah Moeaki (82) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University fans cheer during the first half of a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) catches a pass for a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Cody Hagen (5) reacts after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Portland State Vikings quarterback CJ Jordan (7) is sacked during the second quarter of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Cosmo the Cougar rides onto the field on a bike before the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Bodie Schoonover (48) deflects a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young University Cougarettes perform during the game between the BYU Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) and running back LJ Martin (4) celebrate after a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs against the Portland State Vikings during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is lifted by offensive lineman Andrew Gentry (75) after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Portland State Vikings quarterback Tyrese Smith (14) throws the ball during the third quarter of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young University Cougars drop into coverage against the Portland State Vikings during the third quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars punter Sam Vander Haar (35) reacts after place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicked a 56-yard field goal during the third quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Dominique McKenzie (89) stretches to try and make a catch against Portland State Vikings defensive back Diontaye Moorman (8) during the third quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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A fan is held up for the “Simba Cam” during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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A young fan sits on their father's shoulders during the fourth quarter of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs against the Portland State Vikings during the second quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University cheerleaders run across the field with flags after a BYU touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) reacts after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Portland State Vikings line up against the Brigham Young University Cougars during the third quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Dominique McKenzie (89) scores a rushing touchdown during the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Former Brigham Young University and current Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua takes a selfie with fans during the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Former Brigham Young University and current Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua gives Cosmo the Cougar a piggyback ride during the fourth quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese gestures to the student section during the fourth quarter of the game between the BYU Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University President C. Shane Reese looks on during the fourth quarter of the game between the BYU Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars running back Charles Miska (34) runs against the Portland State Vikings during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars running back Charles Miska (34) celebrates after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Portland State Vikings during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars running back Charles Miska (34) reacts after scoring a rushing touchdown against the Portland State Vikings during the fourth quarter at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Cosmo the Cougar crowd-surfs in the student section during the fourth quarter of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) signs autographs for fans after the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) signs a football for a fan after the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes pictures with fans after the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes pictures with fans after the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is lifted by offensive lineman Andrew Gentry (75) after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) sets before the snap during the first half of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks to throw during the first half of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs on a quarterback keeper during the first half of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks on during the first half of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) celebrates after returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young University fans cheer during the first half of a game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Fans high five players during the Cougar Walk before a game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Members of the Brigham Young Cougars women’s soccer team sign posters for fans on Cougar Canyon before a football game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Portland State Vikings LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Fans wait for the arrival of the Brigham Young Cougars players before a football game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young Cougars cheerleaders walk down Cougar Canyon during the Cougar walk before a game between the Brigham Young Cougars and the Portland State Vikings LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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The Brigham Young University marching band performs during the Cougar Walk on Cougar Canyon at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake embraces a fan during the Cougar Walk before a game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake high fives fans during the Cougar Walk before the game against the Portland State Vikings at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
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