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LJ Martin injury update: How long will BYU running back be out
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- LJ Martin injury update: How long will BYU running back be out
(IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The BYU Cougars offense suffered a setback before facing Iowa State on Friday night. The team's leading rusher and Big 12 Player of the Year, LJ Martin, will be out for at least a month due to a lower-body injury, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Martin had 16 yards in last week's 17-10 win over TCU before exiting the game. He was tackled on his second run of the game and popped up with a slight limp. He never returned against the Horned Frogs.
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The news for BYU's star running back comes a week before the highly anticipated showdown with No. 3 Notre Dame. The 8th-ranked Cougars have boasted one of the most productive offenses in the conference this season. But obviously, without Martin in the lineup, there are a lot of unknowns.
Bear Bachmeier took over to lead BYU with a game-winning touchdown over TCU. Prior to the injury, Martin was a key piece in the BYU offense. He racked up 42 carries for 328 yards and three touchdowns in the first three games.
BYU is now missing their top two rushers. Sione Moa has been sidelined with an injury he suffered in Week 1. As a result, the Cougars rushing attack hasn't been nearly as effective. What has yet to be determined is Bachmeier's role going forward?
Where does this leave BYU over the next month? Martin's return will come around the Nov. 7 Holy War date with No. 12 Utah. This means he'll miss the Oct. 17 showdown against Notre Dame in Provo. The top 10 matchup will be critical for the College Football Playoff hopes of both teams.
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Martin has been a big part of that, but so has Bachmeier. The sophomore passer is one of the best athletes in the country. The issue for him and the Cougars is what part of his game will become a priority?
The passing game can't take a hit, but they can't abandon the rushing attack. Bachmeier will be carrying the team on his shoulders in a few key matchups. How he comes out on the other end will be interesting.
"We talk about our depth, and we're just gonna have to trust it and let these guys be able to do some of the stuff that LJ was able to do," BYU coach Kalani Sitake said.
In his career, Martin has racked up over 3,200 total yards and 29 total touchdowns. While Bachmeier is expected to step up for the Cougars, Martin will be hard to replace. If the Cougars become one-dimensional, the next month will be tough without Martin.
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No. 8 BYU faces Iowa State on Friday night at 10:15 p.m. ET on ESPN.
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