BYU 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
Dave McCann
By Dave McCann
Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+.

BYU and Portland State combined for 110 plays on offense Saturday night. The Cougars used their 66 to create 606 yards and score 69 points. The Vikings ran 44 plays for just 51 yards, including minus five rushing. As it did so, Portland State became the victim of the largest shutout in BYU history.

Bear Bachmeier’s debut dominated the night as he became the first true freshman to start a season opener at BYU. Bachmeier also became the first newbie in Provo to account for five touchdowns (two rushing, three passing) in a game.

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Not to be lost in the night of fireworks, both on the ground and in the air, were the three most important plays that led the Cougars to a 12th victory in their last 14 games.

Using your head

BYU 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

With the game scoreless midway through the first quarter, Portland State lined up to attempt a 57-yard field goal. BYU defensive tackle John Taumoepeau used his 6-foot-2, 300-pound frame to bulldoze through the offensive line with such force that he blocked the kick with his facemask. Linebacker Jack Kelly scooped up the ball and ran 54 yards for BYU’s first blocked field goal return for a touchdown since Kelly’s linebackers coach Justin Ena blocked one that Ryan Denney returned 82 yards in 2001. Taumoepeau’s block and Kelly’s return landed like a prize fighter’s upper cut to the chin and Portland State was never the same after that.

Fast feet

BYU 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

Leading 21-0 in the second quarter, receiver Cody Hagen took a handoff around the right side and raced 57 yards for a touchdown. The restoration of Hagen’s pre-mission speed was among the storylines coming out of fall camp and with his first rushing attempt as a Cougar, Hagen showed off the same wheels that made him a coveted four-star prospect out of Corner Canyon High. BYU will use him in multiple ways this season, including on kickoffs, punt returns, as a receiver and occasionally on end-around runs that go to the house.

Mega boot

BYU 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

With 2:09 remaining in the third quarter, BYU head coach Kalani Sitake sent out his kicker to attempt a field goal that was far from ordinary. Not only was it from a robust 56 yards out, but the wind was blowing into Will Ferrin’s face. The outcome of the game was already decided, but the extension of a streak that Cougar fans have never witnessed before was literally up in the air.

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Ferrin moved into position with the weight of a school record 17 consecutive field goals on his shoulders. Baylor transfer Garrison Grimes delivered a perfect snap to holder Sam Vander Haar and Ferrin launched a rocket that fought off the breeze and sailed through the goal posts to give BYU a 55-0 lead and extend his streak to 18.

“As a kicker, it’s hard to live in that world of streaks,” Ferrin said. “I don’t think about it a lot. Just wipe it and move on with the next one.”

Ferrin’s 56-yard field goal tied Owen Pochman for the longest in program history. Pochman, who was Sitake’s teammate, booted his bomb in 2000 during LaVell Edwards’ final home game as BYU’s head coach.

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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

Dave McCann is a sportswriter and columnist for the Deseret News and is a play-by-play announcer and show host for BYUtv/ESPN+. He co-hosts “Y’s Guys” at ysguys.com and is the author of the children’s book “C is for Cougar,” available at deseretbook.com

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