Games against a lousy Football Championship Subdivision opponent and one of the worst teams in college football's Power Four ranks haven't really taught us much about the BYU Cougars in coach Kalani Sitake's 10th season.
Well, except for this: BYU 's defense appears to be darn good, perhaps one of the best in the Big 12 and maybe one of the best in Sitake's tenure.
The jury is still out on BYU's offense with true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier at the controls. He made some great throws Saturday night, such as a deep one over the middle to Chase Roberts. He was also inconsistent, missing an open JoJo Phillips on one occasion and getting sacked three times by blitzes — which is probably more on the offensive line than the 19-year-old from Murrieta, California.
Special teams remains as solid as ever, aside from punt returner Parker Kingston 's struggles holding onto the football. The star of wins over Kansas State and Colorado last year might have lost his job to Tiger Bachmeier, Bear's brother.
Add all that up, and Saturday night's 27-3 win over Stanford, on the heels of that 69-0 blasting of Portland State that proved absolutely nothing about the Cougars, went about as expected, which is to say that we won't really know if this team is going to be a Big 12 contender for a few more games at least.
"It was tough sledding against this (Stanford) defense. They gave us a lot of different looks and blitz packages … They hit Bear too much for me to like."
Certainly the offense has a long way to go.
In front of the biggest crowd at LaVell Edwards Stadium — some 64,692 strong — since that memorable win over Utah in 2007, BYU (2-0) and Stanford (0-2) staged something of a snoozefest, thanks mostly to the Cardinal's inability to do anything against BYU's defense and BYU's inability to do much in the red zone beside kick field goals at a record rate.
"We weren't the best at converting touchdowns in the red zone tonight," acknowledged running back Sione Moa, who did run 8 yards for a score.
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) celebrates after making an over the shoulder catch as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) gets ready to pass as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) crashes into the endzone dragging Stanford Cardinal linebacker Ernest Cooper (44) with him as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) celebrates an interception with teammates as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students do their best to disrupt Stanford as they and BYU play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes an over the shoulder catch ahead of Stanford Cardinal cornerback Jordan Washington (10) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students do their best to disrupt Stanford as they and BYU play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students do their best to disrupt Stanford as they and BYU play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) looks to make a catch with Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) moving in fast as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) steps in front of Stanford Cardinal tight end Sam Roush (86) for an interception as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) kicks a fieldgoal as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) powers his way toward the endzone as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The Cougar offensive line walks to the line as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) celebrates his touchdown with teammatets Brigham Young Cougars offensive lineman Kaden Chidester (79) and others as BYU and Stanford playin Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks over the defense before a pass as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) runs and is hit by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive end Logan Lutui (7) celebrates after a tackle for a loss as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) follows his blocking on a carry as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. BYU won 27-3. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) reacts after a sack during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) forces a fumble from Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) hits Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) as he throws during the first quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) passes the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) and cornerback Evan Johnson (0) celebrate after a sack during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is tackled by Stanford Cardinal safety Scotty Edwards (21) and linebacker Matt Rose (35) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) watches a pass sail over his head during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) fumbles the ball as he is sacked by Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) signals a first down as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
The ball sails just over Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) as he is chased by Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) brings down Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) just outside the end zone as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) tackles Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ben Gulbranson (15) for a safety as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Fans cheer as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) pushes on Stanford Cardinal cornerback Brandon Nicholson (9) after a long run as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks for help as he is hit by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Matt Rose (35) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs away from Stanford Cardinal safety Che Ojarikre (22) as he looks to turn the ball upfield as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) passes the ball as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is hit by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Matt Rose (35) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) celebrates a sack and safety as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) hands off to Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) motions to his receiver as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars tight end Carsen Ryan (20) and Brigham Young Cougars punter Sam Vander Haar (35) collide on a fake as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) looks to turn the ball up field as BYU and Stanford play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake greets fans in Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
BYU players warm up prior to their game with Stanford in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) throws the ball during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal interim head coach Frank Reich and Brigham Young Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake talk as their teams warm up ahead of their game in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) takes a snap during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
BYU students get ready for the game between the Cougars and Stanford in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young Cougars wide receiver Parker Kingston (11) catches a pass during warmups as BYU and Stanford prepare to play in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Scott G Winterton, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks on as he takes the field for warm ups before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier looks on as he walks through Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) looks on before taking the field for warm ups before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier greets fans in Cougar Canyon before the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) warms up before a game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars cornerback Therrian Alexander III (1) tackles Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) during the first half at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Raider Damuni (3) is tackled after intercepting a pass during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks on during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) catches a pass during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake looks on during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Jack Kelly (17) reacts after the play during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) tackles Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) for a safety during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Bodie Schoonover (48), linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) and linebacker Jack Kelly (17) react after the play during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) tackles Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) for a safety during the first half of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Hunter Clegg (90) reacts after the Cougars forced a safety during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive tackle Keanu Tanuvasa (57) reacts after the Cougars forced a safety during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) reacts after the play during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Viliami Po'uha (45) is assisted off the field after getting injured during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) turns with the ball after the catch during the first half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Logan Lutui (7) reacts after a tackle during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars defensive end Logan Lutui (7) reacts after a tackle during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Tommy Prassas (22) tackles Stanford Cardinal tight end Benji Blackburn (88) during the third quarter of the game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) celebrates with Brigham Young University Cougars running back Sione Moa (30) after Moa scored a rushing touchdown during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars offensive lineman Sonny Makasini (51) walks to the locker room with a towel over his head during the third quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
The Brigham Young University Cougars cheerleaders cheer during the third quarter of the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar celebrates with fans during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
A fan yells during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Cosmo the Cougar dances in the stands during the game between the Brigham Young University Cougars and the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Tanner Wall (28) reacts after the play during the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal place kicker Emmet Kenney (13) kicks a field goal during the second half against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Marcus Brown (25) watches as a pass falls out of bounds during the second half of the game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars wide receiver Chase Roberts (2) makes a catch during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) drops back during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars safety Faletau Satuala (11) celebrates with safety Talan Alfrey (25) and linebacker Jack Kelly (17) after intercepting a pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars linebacker Isaiah Glasker (16) looks on after the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Brigham Young University Cougars place kicker Will Ferrin (44) celebrates with punter Sam Vander Haar (35) and long snapper Garrison Grimes (26) after kicking a field goal during the second half of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
Will Ferrin, a surefire Lou Groza Award candidate, made field goals of 36, 30, 21 and 23 yards to extend his streak of makes to 22, dating back to last year.
BYU also scored on a 3-yard run by Bear Bachmeier and a safety courtesy of a tackle in the end zone by sophomore Faletau Satuala. The Bountiful High product added an interception and is a Big 12 defensive player of the week candidate.
"Never felt like we were stressed in the game, completely," said Sitake, which is a nice way of saying that the Cougars never felt threatened against an ACC team that has fallen on hard times as of late.
Along with Ferrin, BYU's LJ Martin — arguably the team's best offensive player — was the offensive star, picking up 110 yards on 18 carries.
Tiger Bachmeier's 44-yard punt return was the special teams highlight.
Clearly, though, this game was won by BYU's defense, which pitched a shutout for the first three quarters before Stanford became the first team to score on the Cougars in 2025 with a 26-yard field goal with 10 minutes, 31 seconds remaining.
Obviously, interim coach Frank Reich, the former NFL QB and coach, did not want to leave Provo with a goose egg.
"It would have been great to have a shutout," mused Satuala. "… Probably one of my best games I have had in college."
BYU's defense, which gave up a grand total of 161 yards, came up with three turnovers and had the Cardinal in red figures in rushing until the fourth quarter.
The school of Christian McCaffrey, Bryce Love and Toby Gerhart finished with just 19 rushing yards. In two games, BYU has allowed a grand total of 14 rushing yards.
"Obviously, the game plan is a huge part of that," said linebacker Jack Kelly, crediting defensive coordinator Jay Hill and his staff.
Noted Satuala: "We were prepared for everything. Coach Hill is a genius."
The Cardinal was 2 of 13 on third down and averaged just 2.9 yards per play. For BYU, that will play when the competition ramps up in two weeks at East Carolina, then continues through Big 12 action.
Now if the offense can get it together.
The only thing that kept this one from getting more out of hand was BYU's struggles in the red zone. Technically, the Cougars were 6 of 6 in the red zone, thanks to Ferrin's 4 of 4 performance. He's now 40 of 46 in his career.
But they left a lot of points on the field, instead of the scoreboard.
"If we clean up that little stuff we (would have) beat Stanford by a lot more," said Roberts, who contributed to the mistakes by dropping a pass near the goal line on third-and-3 that he may, or may not, have taken into the end zone.
On another red zone foray, Kingston appeared to have scored on a jet sweep, but officials threw a flag for holding on tight end Keayen Nead, a penalty that was iffy at best.
Another time, Martin was in a scrum with the ball near the goal line, making it virtually impossible for officials to know if he scored or not.
No video review came — or if it did, it was done in record time — and on the next play, Isaiah Jatta was penalized for a false start and the Cougars had to settle for another field goal when they misfired on third and 6.
"We just had some misfortune when it comes to killing drives, too," Sitake said. "We just got to clean it up."
In one of the strangest first halves in recent memory at LES, BYU took a 14-0 lead — on a touchdown, two field goals and a safety.
In short, the Cougars squandered several scoring opportunities in the first half, and Bear Bachmeier hit the turf far more than anyone in blue would have liked.
"It was tough sledding against this (Stanford) defense," Sitake said. "They gave us a lot of different looks and blitz packages … They hit Bear too much for me to like."
The Cougars went 85 yards on their second possession and took a quick 6-0 lead. The try for two failed, which Sitake attributed to the play not being run exactly as it was drawn up.
Bachmeier was sacked three times in the first half, all three on blitzes wherein the defender was untouched.
The freshman opened with a poor throw to Phillips that could have been intercepted after Phillips tipped it into the air. Phillips sustained a right-arm injury in the second quarter and did not play in the second half, watching from the sidelines with his arm in a sling.
Martin's 47-yard run and a 17-yard strike from Bachmeier to running back Sione Moa set up BYU's first TD, a 3-yard Bachmeier run.
After Raider Damuni's interception and 26-yard return, BYU went backwards and had to settle for Will Ferrin's 36-yard field goal. After Kelly forced a fumble inside Stanford's 10-yard line that Viliami Po'uha recovered, the Cougars sputtered again, despite Kingston reaching the end zone.
While BYU's offense looked inept in the second quarter, its defense was just the opposite. The Cougars took the 14-0 lead when Satuala tackled a Stanford receiver in the end zone.
The Cardinal picked up just 29 yards in the first half. They were held to minus-18 rushing yards.
BYU had 160 yards in the first half, but was not crisp after that first TD drive. The Cougars were 2 of 10 on third down in the first half, averaged just 4.0 yards per play. They finished averaging 4.9 yards per play while improving to 17-3 in their last 20 night games in Provo.
"Overall, I am just pleased we got the win," Sitake said. "We know we need to improve and get better."
BYU has a bye this week, and will head out on the road for the first time to take on East Carolina on Sept. 20 in Greenville, North Carolina.
BYU running back Sione Moa (30) rushes for a touchdown during game against the Stanford Cardinal at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. | Rio Giancarlo, Deseret News
