BYU's Ground Game Gives Iowa Fans a Preview of UCF Showdown
No. 8 BYU showed exactly why they are a College Football Playoff contender on Friday night, using a dominant performance from quarterback Bear Bachmeier to roll past Iowa State 24-10. The win gives UCF fans a clear picture of what to expect when the Cougars visit Orlando later this month.
Bachmeier Carries the Cougars
Bachmeier was the story of the night, completing 22 of 30 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns. He also added 109 rushing yards on nine carries, accounting for nearly 62 percent of BYU's total rushing output. His dual-threat ability kept Iowa State's defense off balance all night.
Iowa State's defense actually held firm on fourth down three times, but the offense simply could not keep pace. Quarterback Jalen Raynor completed 16 of 29 passes but managed just 98 yards through the air. Running back Aiden Flora was the bright spot, gaining 86 yards on 17 carries, but it was not enough to overcome the Cougars' balanced attack.
BYU's Running Back Depth Tested
The Cougars were forced to dig deep into their running back room after star LJ Martin went down with a lower body injury. ESPN's Pete Thamel reported Martin will miss four to six weeks. In his absence, three BYU running backs combined for just 54 yards on 17 carries, but Bachmeier's legs more than made up for the shortfall.
BYU faces a stiff test next week when they host No. 2 Notre Dame before traveling to Orlando on Oct. 24 to face UCF. Iowa State will also visit the Bounce House on Nov. 20, giving UCF fans a chance to see both teams up close.
Pittsburgh's Slide Continues
No. 25 Pittsburgh saw its season-opening winning streak come to an end Saturday, falling to North Carolina 21-17. The Panthers' rushing defense was stout, holding the Tar Heels to just 20 net rushing yards, but quarterback Billy Edwards Jr. found wide receiver Shamar Easter for a 75-yard go-ahead touchdown to seal the win.
Pittsburgh had jumped out to a 10-0 lead in the second quarter, but two interceptions from quarterback Holden Geriner, starting in place of the injured Mason Heintschel, stalled drives and allowed North Carolina back into the game. The Panthers dropped out of the AP Top 25 after the loss.
UCF fans will remember Pittsburgh held the Knights to just 20 rushing yards in a 12-7 win back in Week 2, so the Panthers' defensive front remains a concern for Scott Frost's offense.
Houston Keeps Rolling After UCF Win
No. 22 Houston backed up its comeback win over UCF with a 35-16 road victory at Kansas State. Quarterback Conner Weigman and tight end Patrick Overmyer were nearly unstoppable, connecting eight times for 83 yards and four touchdowns. All but one of Houston's scores came through that pairing.
The Cougars also found success on the ground, racking up 233 rushing yards compared to Kansas State's 117. Running backs Re'Shaun Sanford II and Makhi Hughes combined for 168 yards on 34 carries, with Hughes adding a rushing touchdown.
Kansas State quarterback Avery Johnson struggled, completing just 16 of 30 passes for 182 yards. Houston's win moved them up two spots to No. 20 in the AP Top 25.
What This Means for UCF
The Knights face a brutal stretch ahead. BYU's balanced attack and Bachmeier's mobility will test UCF's defense in ways the Knights have not seen this season. Iowa State's visit in November also looms large, as the Cyclones will be desperate to bounce back from Friday's loss.
For Iowa football fans, this game offered a clear warning: BYU is for real, and UCF will need its best performance of the season to keep pace.