In the aftermath of the BYU Cougars’ thrilling comeback win over the Arizona Wildcats, head coach Kalani Sitake didn’t hold back his admiration for his team’s resilience and unshakable faith. At the heart of the victory was quarterback Bear Bachmeier, whose steady leadership helped turn the tide. But Sitake, always focused on growth, highlighted a key area where Bachmeier must elevate his game.
Kalani Sitake Calls BYU ‘Bleak’ Before Rally, Urges Growth from Bachmeier
The Cougars had every reason to fold on Saturday night in Tucson. They were trailing by 10 points in the fourth quarter, multiple defensive starters were injured, and rain poured at a soaked Arizona Stadium. But even as the odds mounted, the Cougars showed the resilience that is becoming their identity under head coach Sitake.
“I was proud of all the guys,” Sitake said postgame. “Even when mistakes happened and things looked bleak, they kept playing. They didn’t give up, and it’s easier to coach guys that have that belief and that faith.”
That belief paid off in a chaotic, emotional 33-27 double-overtime victory over Arizona. Sitake admitted the situation looked grim, but BYU’s culture and a clutch performance from freshman QB Bachmeier carried them through.
Bachmeier tied the game at 24 with just 19 seconds left in regulation on a 2-yard touchdown run. He later sealed the win in double OT with a 7-yard touchdown dash up the middle. He finished with 172 passing yards, a touchdown, two interceptions, 89 rushing yards, and two scores on the ground.
Still, Sitake made it clear there’s room for improvement. When asked about Bachmeier’s performance:
“Is there any way [he] can grow without throwing interceptions? That would be really nice. But it’s part of the game, I get it.”
BYU’s defense held strong in the final moments. After Bachmeier’s go-ahead score, the Cougars’ defense shut the door when Arizona quarterback Noah Fifita’s fourth-down pass slipped through Javin Whatley’s hands in the back of the end zone.
Running back LJ Martin was another standout. He posted a career-high 162 rushing yards and a touchdown. On defense, linebacker Siale Esera anchored the depleted unit with 16 tackles.
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The game didn’t lack theatrics. BYU stormed out to a 14-0 lead early in the first quarter, highlighted by a 75-yard catch-and-run touchdown by Parker Kingston. But Arizona clawed back and took a 17-14 halftime lead after a 35-yard touchdown strike from Fifita to Chris Hunter.
Arizona appeared to seize control late in the fourth quarter when Kedrick Reescano broke several tackles and scored on a powerful 36-yard touchdown run. This put the Wildcats up 24-14 with just over 11 minutes to play. But BYU, once again, had an answer.
The Cougars (6-0, 3-0 Big 12) remain undefeated for the second straight season. They are now focused on a heated rivalry matchup with Utah on October 18, 2025.
