The BYU Cougars are 2-0 to start the season, but the convincing 27-3 scoreline over Stanford doesn’t tell the full story. While the defense was dominant, the offense – particularly the quarterback play – showed signs of inconsistency that need immediate attention. Fortunately for BYU, an early bye week might be exactly what they need to regroup before facing East Carolina on September 20.
Against Stanford, the Cougars’ defense stole the show with a complete performance. For the first time in over a decade, BYU recorded an interception, a fumble recovery, and a safety in the same game. The front seven applied relentless pressure, and the secondary capitalized on mistakes, limiting the Cardinal to just a single field goal. This type of defensive dominance bodes well for BYU as they head into the heart of their schedule.
The concerns, however, lie on the offensive side. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who dazzled in his debut, looked less comfortable this time around. While he managed to lead a few efficient drives, miscommunications with receivers and a lack of rhythm were evident throughout the game. The offensive line also struggled to provide consistent protection, and the running game lacked its usual explosiveness.
Head coach Kalani Sitake acknowledged after the game that the team “has plenty to clean up” before their next outing. The Cougars now have an extra week to fine-tune their offensive schemes, work on timing, and get their young quarterback more comfortable under pressure.
The bye week also comes at a perfect time for injuries. Several key players, including offensive linemen and wide receivers, are nursing minor issues that need recovery time. With the additional preparation window, BYU should be closer to full strength when they hit the road to take on East Carolina.
East Carolina, currently 1-1, will pose a unique challenge. While they aren’t a Power 4 opponent, the Pirates play a physical brand of football and can be dangerous at home. For BYU, avoiding a sluggish start after the break will be crucial. They cannot afford another slow offensive performance if they want to maintain momentum heading into tougher Big 12 matchups.
The early bye week might seem unusual, but for BYU, it could be the turning point of their season. With the defense performing at an elite level and special teams contributing in big ways, fixing the offensive inconsistencies is the final piece to making BYU a complete football team. If they can do that during this extra preparation time, the Cougars could emerge as one of the surprise contenders in the Big 12 this season.
For now, BYU fans can celebrate a 2-0 start, but the real test begins after the break. The Cougars have the talent, depth, and coaching to make adjustments. The question is: will the early pause in action become the blessing in disguise that propels BYU to a special year?
