Stanford’s Upcoming Clash with BYU

As Stanford prepares to face BYU this Saturday, all eyes are on the Cougars' promising young quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, a player the Cardinal Coaching staff knows well.

A Familiar Face: Bear Bachmeier

Bachmeier, who spent the spring under Stanford's interim head coach Frank Reich, made a splash during BYU’s preseason quarterback competition. Reich, no stranger to the fast-paced rhythm of college football, expressed no surprise at Bachmeier's success.

"My impressions of him were very positive," Reich asserted. "He’s an explosive athlete with a strong arm and the ability to run. I anticipated some QB run plays in BYU’s offense with him behind center—all signs point to him being a talented, game-changing player."

Reich’s Coaching Journey

This season marks Frank Reich's debut as a college football coach after an illustrious NFL career, including a Super Bowl win with the Philadelphia Eagles. Known for his deep understanding of the game, Reich brings a wealth of experience to Stanford.

Scouting BYU: A Robust Defense

Reich is not just keen on Bachmeier; he’s also impressed by BYU's defense, comparing it to pro-level play. He noted, "This is a well-coached team; they execute complex schemes. Watching their defense feels like an NFL experience—very few teams can mix their strategies like they can."

He remarked on their multidimensional approach and the effectiveness of their blitz packages, which often catch opponents off guard. "They can bring the pressure earlier in the game than what you typically see in the NFL. That’s a challenge for us," he explained.

Preparing for the Challenge of LaVell Edwards Stadium

Saturday will be notable as it marks Stanford’s first trip to LaVell Edwards Stadium since 2003. While Reich is somewhat unfazed by the altitude in Provo, he is taking the raucous crowd seriously. "We’ve made adjustments in our practices to prepare for the noise. We know it’s going to be tough out there, but I believe our players are ready. They've handled the noise well in practice so far," he said.

Respect for BYU’s Legacy

Reich has deep respect for BYU’s program, a sentiment cultivated over years of interactions with former BYU players. "As a quarterback, I’ve always admired what they achieve offensively, and their recent defensive strategies have elevated their game. BYU does it right—recruiting athletes who excel in their systems. We have substantial respect for them," he stated.

With all of these elements at play, anticipation builds for what promises to be an exhilarating encounter between Stanford and BYU.