What Stanford coach Frank Reich said after losing to BYU

Published: Sept 7, 2025, 1:34 a.m. MDT

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is hit by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Matt Rose (35) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Jackson has been writing about sports for the Deseret News since 2023.

It was a rough night for the Stanford offense, which fell 27-3 at the hands of BYU Saturday in Provo.

The Cardinal failed to score a touchdown against the Cougars, managing just three points and 161 total yards in its second-ever visit to Provo as quarterback Ben Gulbranson was sacked three times and threw a pair of interceptions.

“I give them credit, you know, we knew they had a lot of pressures and a lot of run pressures aimed at stopping the run game,” Stanford head coach Frank Reich told reporters after the game.

“Obviously, with what we did against Hawaii and the way we ran the football, we figured (BYU) would kind of come in with their game plan being to make us beat them throwing the football. I mean, that’s what I was assuming that they were coming in thinking, and so they did a good job in the run game.

Reich continued: “You know, we’ve got to be better there. If we’re going to be a successful team, and for us to win games, you know, we have to have a balanced offense.”

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates after making an over the shoulder catch as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets ready to pass as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) crashes into the endzone dragging Stanford Cardinal linebacker Ernest Cooper (44) with him as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) celebrates an interception with teammates as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU students do their best to disrupt Stanford as they and BYU play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes an over the shoulder catch ahead of Stanford Cardinal cornerback Jordan Washington (10) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) looks to make a catch with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) moving in fast as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) steps in front of Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush (86) for an interception as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicks a fieldgoal as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) powers his way toward the endzone as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The Cougar offensive line walks to the line as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) celebrates his touchdown with teammatets Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kaden Chidester (79) and others as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks over the defense before a pass as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs and is hit by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Logan Lutui (7) celebrates after a tackle for a loss as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) follows his blocking on a carry as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) reacts after a sack during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) forces a fumble from Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) hits Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) as he throws during the first quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) passes the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) and cornerback Evan Johnson (0) celebrate after a sack during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is tackled by Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) and linebacker Matt Rose (35) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) watches a pass sail over his head during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) signals a first down as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

The ball sails just over Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) as he is chased by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) brings down Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) just outside the end zone as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) tackles Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) for a safety as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Fans cheer as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) pushes on Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) after a long run as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks for help as he is hit by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Matt Rose (35) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs away from Stanford Cardinal safety Che Ojarikre (22) as he looks to turn the ball upfield as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) celebrates a sack and safety as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands off to Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) motions to his receiver as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) and Brigham Young Cougars punter Sam Vander Haar (35) collide on a fake as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) looks to turn the ball up field as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans in Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

BYU players warm up prior to their game with Stanford in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws the ball during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal interim head coach Frank Reich and Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talk as their teams warm up ahead of their game in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes a snap during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

BYU students get ready for the game between the Cougars and Stanford in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) catches a pass during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks on as he takes the field for warm ups before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier looks on as he walks through Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks on before taking the field for warm ups before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier greets fans in Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (1) tackles Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) is tackled after intercepting a pass during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks on during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) catches a pass during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) reacts after the play during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) tackles Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) for a safety during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Bodie Schoonover (48), linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) and linebacker Jack Kelly (17) react after the play during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Hunter Clegg (90) reacts after the Cougars forced a safety during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) reacts after the Cougars forced a safety during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) reacts after the play during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) is assisted off the field after getting injured during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) turns with the ball after the catch during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Logan Lutui (7) reacts after a tackle during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars safety Tommy Prassas (22) tackles Stanford Cardinal tight end Benji Blackburn (88) during the third quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates with Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) after Moa scored a rushing touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) walks to the locker room with a towel over his head during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

The Brigham Young University Cougars cheerleaders cheer during the third quarter of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Cosmo the Cougar celebrates with fans during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

A fan yells during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Cosmo the Cougar dances in the stands during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) reacts after the play during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal place kicker Emmet Kenney (13) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) watches as a pass falls out of bounds during the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes a catch during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) drops back during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) celebrates with safety Talan Alfrey (25) and linebacker Jack Kelly (17) after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) looks on after the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

Brigham Young University Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) celebrates with punter Sam Vander Haar (35) and long snapper Garrison Grimes (26) after kicking a field goal during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News

At quarterback, BYU started true freshman Bear Bachmeier, whom Reich became familiar with earlier this year as the two spent spring ball together at Stanford.

Bachmeier completed 17 of 27 passes for 175 yards while running for a touchdown, and while he did have his moments of struggle or frustration, Reich remained complimentary of the young QB’s performance.

“Bear’s a good player. Bear made some nice plays today,” Reich said. “He’s a very talented player. We like Bear. We wish him the best, and you know, I thought he did some good things today.”

Having spent all of his coaching career in the NFL prior to this year, Reich’s visit to LaVell Edwards Stadium offered him one of his first opportunities to take in a true collegiate gameday experience on the sideline.

“This is a taste of college football for me. It was a pretty cool atmosphere,” Reich said. “I was standing out on the field talking to a couple of coaches beforehand saying how close this, how small the sidelines were and, you know, it’s great atmosphere. It was a lot of fun.”

As for BYU itself, Reich said he was impressed with the Cougars and how facing a program of their caliber is something he and his players cherish.

“It’s a seasoned team, you know, an experienced team, an experienced coaching staff. They have good schemes,” Reich said of BYU.

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“It’s a good program. It’s a tough environment to come in and play, and that’s what we love. We love an opportunity to come in and play in those moments and have a big upset, you know what I mean? I think we all thought that was going to happen today, but you got to give BYU credit for the way they played.”

While Stanford now begins the year 0-2 and finds itself in a bit of a program lull, Reich still believes in his group can right the ship in 2025 and set up the Cardinal for future success.

“It doesn’t take much,” Reich said. “It needs to start with a belief in who you are and what we’re doing, and then you just got to execute one play at a time, one first down at a time, one touchdown at a time. That’s the mentality

“We talked about it in there, we’re never going to be OK with losing. We’re here to get better and to win, and so I’m excited to go back to work this week. I mean, it’s hard, you know, you put so much into it week to week, and it’s hard to fly home on a trip where you lose a game like this, but I believe in this team. I love these players. They’re a special group, and they’re going to continue to fight, and we’ll get better and I look forward to a great week this week.”

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