Aside from the spectacular debut of freshman Legend Glasker, sophomore Cannon DeVries' electric kick returns to make everybody forget about Parker Kingston, at least for now, and the unveiling of a quicker Bear Bachmeier, nothing all that memorable happened in Saturday night's BYU-Utah Tech football game.
The Trailblazers will cash their $450,000 paycheck and BYU will fully turn its attention to Arizona — if it hasn't already, wink, wink — after the Cougars routed the visitors from St. George 63-7 in front of a sellout crowd of 64,077 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Perhaps the night's most surprising occurrence came in the waning moments, as a large portion of the crowd, particularly the student section, stayed to soak up every minute of the 56-point rout.
"Our fans never cease to amaze me," said BYU coach Kalani Sitake.
Both sides got what they wanted, even Utah Tech. The Trailblazers (0-2) got on the scoreboard for the first time in two games — courtesy of an Ace Chatman 1-yard touchdown run against BYU's third-team defense with 4:45 remaining in the third quarter — and the Cougars got a nice little tuneup before next Saturday's Big 12 opener in Provo.
"I felt like we did a great job in our approach to the game. I liked the mindset that our guys had," Sitake said, perhaps alluding to the drama that has unfolded with the restructuring of the athletic department.
"It was easy to get distracted throughout this whole (fall) camp and these guys have been focused on what they wanted to accomplish."
BYU defenders stuff Utah Tech Trailblazers running back Ace Chatman (0) at the line during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake, right, watches his kicker kick a PAT during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Devaughn Eka (25) celebrates a touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Noah Moeaki (82) gives high-fives to fans as he leaves the field after a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU students cheer on their team during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) high-fives fans as he leaves the stadium after a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Jared Esplin (33) runs with the ball during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
A performer takes the field between the third and fourth quarters of a game between BYU and Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
A performer takes the field between the third and fourth quarters of a game between BYU and Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Devaughn Eka (25) dives for the end zone during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players sing the fight song in front of the student section after a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Cougars safety Kennan Pula (7) deflects the ball from reaching Utah Tech Trailblazers wide receiver Dajon Harrison (1) during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Utah Tech Trailblazers head coach Lance Anderson watches his players during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU President C. Shane Reese embraces head coach Kalani Sitake after BYU won a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake speaks with BYU President C. Shane Reese after a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU performs and cheers between the third and fourth quarters during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU students cheer on their team during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Children reach out their hands to give BYU players a high-five after a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars head coach Kalani Sitake hugs a Utah Tech player after a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Walker Lyons (7) runs down the sideline during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players take the field during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players high-five fans on their Cougar walk before a game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU students cheer on their team during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band waits to start the Cougar walk ahead of a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players high-five fans on their Cougar walk before a game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive lineman Tausili Akana (13) celebrates a retrieved fumble during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU fans plug their ears in anticipation of a cannon shot after a BYU touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Utah Tech Trailblazers running back Kona Crowell (22) is smothered at the line during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Utah Tech Trailblazers quarterback CJ Tiller (2) throws the ball during a game against BYU at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Roger Saleapaga II (2) looks up at the jumbotron during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) intercepts the ball during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU students cheer on BYU Cougars defensive back Evan Johnson (0) after he made an interception during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) dances after scoring a touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) reads the defense during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players huddle up before a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU students hold up a "Go Cougs" banner during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players take the field during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars kicker Matthias Dunn (97) kicks a PAT during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) celebrates with teammates during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs down the sideline during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) is swarmed during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars tight end Walker Lyons (7) is wrapped up by defenders during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Jojo Phillips (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back LJ Martin (4) runs the ball during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) is lifted up in the air by his teammate Andrew Gentry (75) after scoring a touchdown during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Legend Glasker (1) runs with the ball during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars wide receiver Kyler Kasper (3) is tackled by defenders during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars running back Preston Rex (12) rolls over Utah Tech Trailblazers defensive back Ryan Tillman (20) into the end zone during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars linebacker Jake Clifton (31) pressures Utah Tech Trailblazers quarterback Bronson Barben (13) during a game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players kneel down and bow their heads to pray before a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU Cougars quarterback Bear Bachmeier (47) is lifted into the air by his teammates during a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players high five fans on their Cougar walk before a game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
BYU players high five fans on their Cougar walk before a game against the Utah Tech Trailblazers at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
The BYU Cougars marching band waits to start the Cougar walk ahead of a game against Utah Tech at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo on Saturday, Sept. 5, 2026. | Lukas Katilius, Deseret News
Actually, there was one downer for the home team. Senior safety Raider Damuni sustained a lower leg injury — caused by friendly fire — in the second quarter and needed to be helped off the field.
"I don't like that he couldn't walk off on his own (power), and so, yeah, we're concerned, praying for him and his family," Sitake said. "I've known that kid since he was a baby, so whatever it is, we hope for a speedy recovery, and just praying for a miracle, and see what happens."
Offensively, BYU's first unit was mostly unstoppable against a Utah Tech team that was blasted 54-0 by Montana State last week in St. George, so all kudos should probably be taken with a grain of salt.
The real test comes next week, when Arizona visits for a 1:30 p.m. showdown at LES after the Wildcats routed Northern Arizona 35-7 Saturday night.
Still, the freshman Glasker was simply spectacular in his debut, and lived up to all the hype that accompanied him out of high school and spring and fall camps.
"I told you guys, 'Don't worry about our receivers room,'" Sitake said. "Fesi (Sitake) knows what he's doing there."
Glasker scored touchdowns three of the first five times he touched the ball. He had a 9-yard TD run on a jet sweep, a 26-yard touchdown catch-and-run on a screen pass and a 33-yard touchdown reception.
"Coming into the game, I really wanted to score, so three (touchdowns) was a surprise," Glasker said. "Before the game, I just said it was in God's hands and that's what he wanted to happen for me, so I am blessed."
After Tre Alexander set the tone with an interception on Utah Tech's first play from scrimmage, BYU's offense scored six touchdowns and missed a field goal, a 47-yard attempt by Matthias Dunn, in eight first-half possessions.
Bachmeier was 16 of 20 for 198 yards and three TDs in the first half for a passer rating of 212.7. He also showed off a bit of the newfound speed he promised after an offseason of reshaping his body.
His 13-yard touchdown run with 34 seconds remaining in the first half gave the Cougars a 42-0 lead and pretty much ensured he wouldn't see action in the second half.
When DeVries, who finished with 173 kick return yards, took the second-half kickoff 100 yards for a TD, that pretty much ensured Bachmeier's night was over. Backup Treyson Bourguet attempted two passes and completed one for 15 yards, while freshman QB Enoch Watson got in the game but didn't attempt a pass.
"He was done (at halftime)," Sitake said of Bachmeier. "Honestly, I didn't like him getting hit. He got hit a few times, but I mean, he wanted to show off his physique and his body … I will let it slide this time."
Senior running back LJ Martin also saw limited action, getting just seven carries for 54 yards, all in the first half, but didn't get into the end zone.
The Cougars had 358 yards of offense in the first half, the Trailblazers just 52. BYU ran 44 plays in the first half, Utah Tech just 24.
About the only suspense in the second half was whether Utah Tech would score or not. The Trailblazers went to backup QB Bronson Barben, and he made some nice plays against BYU's subs to give himself a nice memory.
He directed a 15-play, 75-yard touchdown drive that took 7:45 off the clock in the third quarter.
A defensive pass interference penalty on BYU's Matthias Leach on third down helped prolong the drive, but Leach made amends with his first career interception on Tech's next drive.
In all, the Cougars' defense forced four turnovers and gave up only 184 yards — 132 after halftime.
"I mean, it is a great first step," said DeVries, who also played in the secondary. "It gets us in the right direction, gives us a good vision of what we can do, and what we should expect, and now we can just turn it up from there."
In the first half, the defensive stars were cornerbacks Evan Johnson and Alexander, who each had a pick. Alexander's takeaway marked only the second time in the Big 12 in the last 20 years that a team has started a game with an interception.
Backup defensive end Kendal Walker also impressed in the first half, matching Cal transfer linebacker Cade Uluave's three takedowns in the first 30 minutes.
Two of Uluave's tackles were for losses.
"We are seeing a lot of good things from our DBs," Sitake said.
The coach did rue five penalties, including some committed by top players in the first half.
Overall, though, the mainline players were fairly crisp and clean in the first half when they were on the field, the exceptions being a holding penalty on Sonny Makasini, an offsides penalty on Viliami Po'uha and a penalty on Kansas State transfer Jake Clifton for blocking out of bounds that knocked 15 yards off a long punt return by DeVries.
Utah Tech did not commit a penalty in the first half but had three turnovers, which BYU turned into 21 fairly easy points. It was the third game since 1996 that BYU has forced four turnovers and allowed fewer than 200 yards.
Also, it was the first time in the last 30 yards that BYU has had five different players score rushing touchdowns in a game — as Devaughn Eka, Preston Rex, Journee Tonga, Glasker and Bachmeier ran for scores.
Eka, also a freshman from Lehi High, finished as the game's leading rusher with eight carries for 59 yards.
"I mean, we have a great team," Sitake said. "My job as a coach is to not screw it up, so I gotta make sure that these guys are prepared, and that we're ready to go. Arizona is going to be a great team."
