BYU football: Opening drive the only positive for No. 11 BYU in demoralizing 34-7 loss to No. 4 Texas Tech

Cougars took a quick 7-0 lead, but QB Bear Bachmeier was injured on the drive and the offense was never the same after that

Published: Dec 6, 2025, 4:36 p.m. MST

BYU running back LJ Martin (4) celebrates his touchdown during the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Jay has covered sports in Utah for more than 30 years and has been writing for the Deseret News since 2019.

ARLINGTON, Texas — After saying about a dozen times Saturday after No. 4 Texas Tech pulverized No. 11 BYU 34-7 in the Big 12 championship game that the Red Raiders are ‘the best team in the country,” Cougars coach Kalani Sitake said he would love another shot at his good friend Joey McGuire’s team.

That is just Sitake’s competitive nature coming out, because BYU has had two chances to topple Tech and fell way short both times, be it at Jones AT&T Stadium in Lubbock or the Cowboys’ AT&T Stadium in Arlington.

Line these teams up 10 times on a neutral field, and Tech probably wins eight or nine. The Red Raiders are that good, well-balanced and well-coached. The gap between the Big 12’s best and second-best teams is quite large.

That was evident after Texas Tech held BYU to a season-low 200 yards and seven points (tied) in another rout. Could the Cougars stay with this juggernaut in Provo? That’s a topic for another day.

Would Saturday’s outcome have been different if BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier had not been hurt on the Cougars’ opening drive? Again, something to chat about in the long offseason.

Suffice it to say, BYU fans will always have Saturday’s game-opening drive to relive, as the Cougars drove 90 yards for a touchdown against a Tech defense that had given up only one other first-quarter TD all season, to Kansas State.

Tech had given up just 13 points in its first quarters all season.

Key plays from BYU's 34-7 loss to Texas Tech in Big 12 championship game

What Texas Tech coach Joey McGuire said after beating BYU

Sione Moa returned to the BYU backfield for the first time since the East Carolina game, and immediately caught a 2-yard pass. Then Bachmeier found Chase Roberts over the middle for 18 yards.

Bachmeier’s 10-yard run on third and 5 was huge, as was his 10-yard throw to LJ Martin to pick up another first down. Offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick then dialed up a “special,” a gadget play in which Parker Kingston took a pitch from Bachmeier and threw a 22-yard pass to Carsen Ryan.

On the next play, however, Bachmeier took the hit that caused the injury on a 1-yard run, and was never the same. Martin found the end zone on a direct snap from the 10-yard line, but that turned out to be all she wrote for the Cougars.

Seven points. Just like last time.

Also just like last time, Will Ferrin missed a field goal that would have gotten the Cougars into double digits. Coincidentally, the Big 12’s third-best team, Utah, lost 34-10 to these same Red Raiders in Salt Lake City.

“We just weren’t executing,” Kingston said when asked why the offense unraveled after the hot start. “We weren’t playing our brand of football, and we let that game get out of hand because we weren’t making plays.”

A play unfolds between BYU and the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark speaks as part of a press conference before the Big 12 championship game between BYU and Texas Tech held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU players take the field before the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU players and staff huddle before the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake gestures to fans before the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) prepares to line up with other linemen during the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU running back Sione Moa (30) is downed by Texas Tech Red Raiders defensive back Brenden Jordan (7) during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU safety Tanner Wall (28) downs Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Dickey (8) during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU safety Faletau Satuala (11) celebrates after a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) winds up a pass during the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU players huddle before a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU fans cheer and hold up rally towels during the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake talks with tight end Carsen Ryan (20) after Ryan was slow to get up after a play during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU tight end Carsen Ryan (20) runs with the ball while pursued by Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Brock Golwas (45) during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire slaps hands with players as they come off the field after a play during the Big 12 championship game against BYU held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU running back LJ Martin (4) bumps helmets in celebration with offensive lineman Kyle Sfarcioc (64) after Martin’s touchdown against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) winds up a pass during the Big 12 championship game against BYU held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders running back Cameron Dickey (8) stiff-arms BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander (1) as he runs the ball during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU cornerback Cannon Devries (20) stretches before the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders running back J'Koby Williams (20) runs the ball while pursued by BYU defensive end Logan Lutui (7) during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A Texas Tech Red Raiders fan cheers during the Big 12 championship game against BYU held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU safety Crew Clark (39) flashes the “Y” to fans as the team moves toward the locker room at halftime of the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Behren Morton (2) takes the snap during the Big 12 championship game against BYU held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A BYU and Texas Tech Red Raiders fan talk during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks to the scoreboard during the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU players try and block an extra-point attempt during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell (63) breaks with fellow linemen before a play against the Texas Tech Red Raiders during the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake hugs a Texas Tech Red Raiders staff member after Cougars were defeated by the Red Raiders the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU fans cheer and hold up letters for BYU running back LJ Martin (4) during the Big 12 championship game against the Texas Tech Red Raiders held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Ben Roberts (13) cheers after he was voted the game’s most outstanding player and the Red Raiders defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker Ben Roberts (13) gestures to his teammates in celebration after he was voted the game’s most outstanding player and the Red Raiders defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech Red Raiders head coach Joey McGuire pumps up the crowd in his postgame interview after the Red Raiders defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) celebrates after a play against BYU during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech fans celebrate a touchdown surrounding two BYU fans during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU safety Tanner Wall (28) knocks the ball loose from Texas Tech running back J'Koby Williams (20), but it is recovered by another Texas Tech player during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU safeties Tanner Wall (28) and Faletau Satuala (11) down Texas Tech running back J'Koby Williams (20) during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech fans hold up a sign of linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) during the Big 12 championship game against BYU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs toward the sidelines after his pass was intercepted by a Texas Tech player in the third quarter of the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton (2) winds up for a pass during the Big 12 championship game against BYU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A BYU fan reacts after a play against Texas Tech during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) winds up for a pass during the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

A lone Texas Tech Red Raiders fan celebrates a play amid BYU fans during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech defensive lineman E'Maurion Banks (8) celebrates after a play against BYU during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) hugs coach Sione Po'uha after Texas Tech Red defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire hoists up the Big 12 championship trophy after the Red Raiders defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU director of athletics Brian Santiago, left, hugs head coach Kalani Sitake after Texas Tech defeated BYU in the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball against the Texas Tech defense during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire adjusts his headset between plays during the Big 12 championship game against BYU at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU cornerback Therrian Alexander III (1) tries to down Texas Tech running back Cameron Dickey (8) during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) celebrates after a play against Texas Tech during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) slips away from Texas Tech linebacker John Curry (6) as he runs the ball during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs with the ball as he’s pursued by Texas Tech Red linebacker Jacob Rodriguez (10) during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake high-fives tight end Carsen Ryan (20) after a play during the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) is slow to get up after a play while Texas Tech offensive lineman Howard Sampson (79) and quarterback Behren Morton (2) celebrate after the Red Raiders scored a touchdown during the Big 12 championship game at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU fans cheer as the team leaves the field during warm ups before the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) prepares to pass as he warms up with his teammates before the Big 12 championship game against Texas Tech held at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025. | Isaac Hale, Deseret News

Trailing 21-7 late in the third quarter, the Cougars had some life — life that wasn’t entirely sucked out of them after Ferrin’s missed field goal — when Bachmeier seemingly found JoJo Phillips on third and 7 for a nice gain.

However, Phillips dropped the ball after a good hit, and the Cougars had to punt.

On their next four possessions, the Cougars gave up a fumble, an interception, turned the ball over on downs and saw Martin lose a fumble for the first time in his three-year career.

Downfield shots were few and far between, as Tech’s pass rush engineered by its $7 million defensive line left Bachmeier with little time to throw.

“The passing game was shorter underneath stuff,” Kingston acknowledged. “They were just bailing. They didn’t want to get beat over the top, and they made us try to beat them in front of them. We just weren’t playing clean football.”

Now the question becomes: What is Bachmeier’s status moving forward?

Comments

“Yeah, always concerned about that,” Sitake said. “That’s not the reason why we lost. I mean, it was part of the reason why he wasn’t able to play his best.

“He is going to be hurting a lot more tomorrow… We made a lot of mistakes. It wasn’t just Bear. He wasn’t reason why we didn’t score enough points. It was a lot of different things.”

Sitake said BYU didn’t have “the right protection going” on Bachmeier’s fumble in the fourth quarter.

“And I thought Texas Tech had a great game plan for trying to eliminate the quarterback run game. We just didn’t make enough adjustments to that.”

Looking for comments?

Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.