BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, left, runs against TCU linebacker Max Carroll (3) and other defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas.
BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, left, runs against TCU linebacker Max Carroll (3) and other defenders during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026, in Fort Worth, Texas. | LM Otero · LM Otero

For the first time in 20 years, BYU has defeated TCU in Fort Worth.

It may have been rather ugly and frustrating at times, but the Cougars navigated injuries, sloppiness and unfavorable weather conditions to grind out a 17-10 victory over the upstart Horned Frogs on Saturday.

BYU is now 4-0 on the season — and 2-0 in Big 12 play.

ROAD WIN ✔️ pic.twitter.com/z7YPGHeCDF

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 4, 2026

3 takeaways

BYU was carried by its shorthanded ground attack. The Cougars were dealt a major blow when LJ Martin suffered an injury on his second carry Saturday, which knocked the bell cow out for the remainder of the game.

Yet even without Martin, BYU continued pounding the rock. The Cougars ultimately ran 36 times as a team for 157 yards. Much of rushing load came via necessity, as rainy conditions led to an uncharacteristically shaky passing night for Bear Bachmeier, who threw for just 62 yards on a 46% completion rate.

But Bachmeier spearheaded BYU’s ground success with two touchdowns, finding the end zone on runs of nine and 21 yards each. The bruising sophomore braved contact all night long, logging 15 carries for 66 yards after running the ball just 12 times through three previous games in 2026.

Bear putting the team on his back. pic.twitter.com/EcsD2JTzTy

— Jackson Payne (@jackson5payne) October 4, 2026

Additionally, Preston Rex, Journee Tonga and Legend Glasker filled in for Martin to combine for 75 yards against TCU’s tough run defense.

Given the weather, injuries and offensive line penalties, the Cougars couldn’t win this game any other way than they did. Staying committed to the run, even when the results disappointed at times, paid off for BYU, which needed to win the clock battle, protect the football and wear down the Horned Frogs in order to escape with a win.

The Cougar defense impressed. BYU held TCU to 259 total yards and a 4 of 13 mark on third down, forcing six punts and allowing just 2.4 yards per carry.

Faletau Satuala played hero early, snagging an interception for a 59-yard return to set up Bachmeier’s first touchdown.

that was a meatball sub
📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/8yvKf4Xitv

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 3, 2026

BYU’s pass rush had its best performance of the season, with Nusi Taumoepeau, Tausili Akana, Braxton Lindsey and Jake Clifton all getting home for sacks.

The bottom line? Holding a conference foe to just 10 points on its home field is no small feat. Defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga’s unit is certifiably solid. Now all it needs to do is get healthier.

The injuries are piling up for BYU. Health has not been on the Cougars’ side in 2026, and Saturday was no exception.

In addition to Martin, linebacker Isaiah Glasker and defensive back Cannon DeVries each left the game early and never returned, and linebacker Cade Uluave missed a defensive series at one point as well.

BYU is already without Raider Damuni and Andrew Gentry, among other contributors. Losing Martin for any period of time would be brutal for the Cougars, especially with Notre Dame looming in two weeks.

Glasker and DeVries aren’t minor losses, either. BYU has decent depth, but if the injury bug keeps biting, it will eventually become impossible to overcome.

Iowa State visits Provo next Friday, giving BYU a short week to prepare — and recover — for the Cyclones.

Source: Yahoo Sports