BYU Delivers Statement Win Over TCU
The No. 12 BYU Cougars delivered a resounding message to the Big 12 on Saturday night, dismantling the TCU Horned Frogs 44-13 in front of a raucous, over-capacity crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. The victory not only snapped a five-game losing streak against TCU but also kept BYU’s hopes for a Big 12 Championship berth alive, setting up a potential play-in scenario for the title game.
Offensive Masterclass: Bachmeier Shines
BYU quarterback
Bear Bachmeier was the star of the night, throwing for 296 yards and orchestrating a methodical, efficient offense that kept TCU’s defense on its heels from the opening drive. By halftime, Bachmeier had already logged his fourth 200-yard passing game of the season, and the Cougars had surpassed 100 yards on the ground, showcasing a balanced attack that TCU simply couldn’t contain.
Running back
LJ Martin added crucial yardage on the ground, including a pivotal fourth-quarter touchdown that put the game out of reach. The Cougars’ offensive line dominated the trenches, allowing BYU to control the clock and field position throughout the contest.
TCU’s Struggles Continue
For TCU, the night was a continuation of recent woes. The Horned Frogs struggled to convert on third downs and failed to generate stops on defense, falling behind early and never recovering. Head coach Sonny Dykes acknowledged the team’s slow start:
“We just didn’t get off to a great start, BYU took the ball down and scored quickly on us and made us get on our heels pretty quickly.”
Turnovers proved costly for TCU, with two fourth-quarter interceptions leading directly to BYU touchdowns. The Horned Frogs’ offense, plagued by inconsistency all season, was unable to mount a meaningful comeback against a disciplined BYU defense.
Defensive Dominance and Key Plays
BYU’s defense was opportunistic and relentless.
Faletau Satuala’s interception set up a short-field touchdown, and
Tanner Wall’s 68-yard pick-six in the fourth quarter was the exclamation point on a night where the Cougars forced multiple turnovers and stifled TCU’s attack.
The Cougars’ ability to control the pace and limit TCU’s possessions was a key factor, as predicted by analysts who expected a lower-scoring, possession-heavy affair. Instead, BYU’s efficiency on both sides of the ball led to a blowout that few saw coming.
What This Means for the Big 12 Race
With the win, BYU improves to 9-1 and remains firmly in the hunt for a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. The Cougars’ dominant performance not only snapped their losing streak against TCU but also set up a high-stakes finish to the regular season, with a potential play-in game looming for a shot at the conference title.
For TCU, the loss is a significant setback in a season that has failed to meet preseason expectations. The Horned Frogs will need to regroup quickly as they look to salvage their bowl hopes in the final weeks.
Takeaways and Looking Ahead
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BYU’s offense is peaking at the right time, with Bachmeier and Martin forming a dynamic duo.
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TCU’s inconsistency on both sides of the ball continues to haunt them, especially against top-tier competition.
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The Big 12 title race is heating up, and BYU’s statement win puts them in prime position for a championship run.
As the regular season winds down, all eyes will be on BYU to see if they can carry this momentum into the postseason and make a run at their first Big 12 title.
Sources
1. TCU Horned Frogs vs. BYU Cougars Live Score and Stats
2. TCU vs BYU Prediction — Take the Under 51.5 (Nov 15, 2025)
3. BYU's Updated Path to the Big 12 Championship Game After Blowing Out TCU
4. [PDF] tcu - daily skiff - Texas Christian University
5. TCU Drops Road Contest to No. 12 BYU
6. Frogs O' War
7. TCU vs. #12 BYU Extended Highlights | 2025 Big 12 Football
8. Quick Thoughts: TCU 23, West Virginia 17 | Frogs O' War
9. BYU Football | Postgame Press Conference | November 15, 2025
10. [PDF] Woman sentenced for campus car burglary - Daily Skiff
11. No. 12 BYU Crushes TCU For Complete Performance - YouTube
12. Covers.com - Sports Betting Odds, Lines, Picks & News 2025
13. The Coolest College Football Teams of 2025 - Action Network
14. REPORT: TCU QB Hauss Hejny transferring to Oklahoma State
