A Star is Born at BYU

In a dazzling display at LaVell Edwards Stadium, BYU's true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier showcased his potential during the Cougar’s staggering 69-0 victory over Portland State. Despite facing 64,000 fans for the first time, Bachmeier quickly shook off early nerves.

First Game Jitters

When the game kicked off, tight end Carsen Ryan noticed Bachmeier’s initial butterflies. "He looked a little nervous," Ryan admitted, but it was a momentary distraction as he quickly found his rhythm. The 19-year-old's first pass nearly resulted in an interception, a learning experience he reflected on, saying, "That's part of the first game experience."

Dominating Performance

Despite that shaky start, Bachmeier turned the tide, contributing five total touchdowns (three passing and two rushing) before halftime. The scoreboard told it all: BYU outperformed Portland State with a staggering 606 to 51 yard advantage. In a game where the Cougars’ rushing attack dominated with 48 carries compared to just 18 passes, the focus was clear: controlling the game.

A Centaur on the Field

Portland State's coach Bruce Barnum had high praise for the young quarterback post-game. Admitting to scrutinizing Bachmeier closely during warm-ups, he remarked, "He looked like a goddam centaur—durable, fast, and smart!" Barnum recognized Bachmeier’s skillset and poise, making quite the impression in his debut.

Room for Growth

However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing. BYU head coach Kalani Sitake expressed concerns about penalties and missed opportunities, noting slips from Bachmeier that could be costly in tougher matchups. "We need to keep improving. There are places where we can do better," Sitake said.

Next Steps for BYU

Looking ahead, the Cougars are set to face Stanford next, a team still reeling from an opening loss to Hawaii and in the midst of a quarterback shuffle. For now, Bachmeier is feeling more settled, engaging with fans post-game, taking selfies with bear cutouts and signing autographs.

Bachmeier's New Normal

As he wrapped up the night with his family, preparing for a celebratory dinner, he reflected on his journey and the responsibilities ahead. "Our first series could definitely be better, but that’s part of being a starter. I’m ready to come out with our hair on fire next week," he promised.

For now, Bachmeier’s debut serves as a reminder of the exciting potential within BYU's football program, garnering attention not just for the scoreline but for the emergence of a quarterback who is ready to embrace the spotlight.