Quarterback Bear Bachmeier led BYU to a narrow 17-10 victory over TCU on Saturday night in Fort Worth, despite the early loss of running back LJ Martin due to injury. Martin, who entered the game as the Big 12 offensive player of the year last season and was averaging 109.3 rushing yards per game, was limited to just two carries for 16 yards in the first quarter before exiting with what appeared to be a lower leg injury.

The game, played in rainy conditions, saw both teams struggle to gain offensive traction. BYU managed only 216 total yards, with 72 of those coming during a crucial late drive. Bachmeier was instrumental in securing the win, scoring two rushing touchdowns. His second touchdown, a 21-yard run with just over two minutes remaining, proved to be the decisive score. On that play, Bachmeier evaded several defenders, including bouncing off a teammate at the line of scrimmage before breaking through TCU’s defense inside the 10-yard line to extend BYU’s lead to 17-7.

TCU responded with a 44-yard field goal by Nate McCashland with 32 seconds left in the game, narrowing the gap to 17-10. However, the Horned Frogs were unable to capitalize on their ensuing onside kick attempt, allowing BYU to maintain possession and run out the clock.

With the victory, BYU improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play, while TCU fell to 2-3 overall and 0-2 in the conference. The Cougars will look to continue their undefeated start without the services of Martin, whose health will be closely monitored in the coming weeks.