BYU Overcomes Roberts’ Injury, Surges to 10th Win as Big 12 Stakes Intensify

BYU entered its Big 12 clash with Cincinnati already carrying significant pressure, but the tension escalated when leading receiver Chase Roberts exited the game late in the third quarter. The junior wideout, who has been the Cougars’ most reliable target all season, was ruled out shortly after heading to the sideline in sweatpants and without pads.

Roberts’ departure forced immediate adjustments for quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who had leaned heavily on his top receiver’s production throughout the year. With 43 receptions, 702 yards, and five touchdowns entering the night, Roberts was the centerpiece of BYU’s passing attack.

In his absence, the Cougars retooled on the fly. Running back LJ Martin became the primary playmaker out of the backfield and through the air, while Parker Kingston assumed the role of Bachmeier’s go-to option in the receiving corps. Despite the reshuffling, BYU continued to lean on its identity and physicality.

Off the field, the mood remained electric. A makeshift media area turned into a spontaneous celebration as traveling fans surrounded head coach Kalani Sitake following BYU’s 26–14 win — a victory that moved the No. 11 Cougars to 10–1 and kept them firmly in the Big 12 title race.

1. Adjusting Without Roberts: BYU’s Offensive Shift

Roberts’ injury removed a key security blanket from BYU’s offense, altering the structure of its passing game. With defensive attention no longer fixed on the 6-foot-4 target, the Cougars relied more heavily on misdirection, screens, and check-downs to sustain drives. Martin seized the moment, not only leading the ground attack but also providing receiving versatility that helped maintain rhythm. Kingston, stepping into the top wideout role, offered reliability in key moments as Bachmeier distributed the ball more evenly. The offensive line played a significant role as well, allowing BYU to establish a punishing run game that carried the offense through stretches where the passing attack recalibrated. The unit’s physical edge helped neutralize Cincinnati’s front and opened opportunities for Martin’s breakout performance. While the severity of Roberts’ injury remains unclear, BYU will need continued adaptability from its playmakers if he remains sidelined during the final push toward the conference title game.

2. Ground Game, Defense Lead the Way as CFP Debate Swirls

BYU’s win was powered by a dominant rushing attack, highlighted by a career-best 222 yards from Martin as part of the team’s 265-yard ground total. The performance showcased the Cougars’ ability to control tempo and impose their will — a defining trait throughout their 10–1 campaign. Despite the statement win, Sitake declined to engage in playoff lobbying. He told reporters he had no intention of campaigning for BYU’s place in the College Football Playoff picture, emphasizing trust in the selection committee and focus on the schedule ahead. The Cougars’ position remains tenuous. At 10–1 overall and 7–1 in Big 12 play, BYU holds stronger strength-of-record metrics than several two-loss teams but risks missing the expanded 12-team CFP if it fails to capture the conference’s automatic bid. Defensive lineman Keanu Tanuvasa pushed back against critics attributing BYU’s success to luck, arguing that the team’s ability to win close games stems from preparation, resilience, and confidence — not fortune.

3. Future Momentum: Recruiting, Mission Plans, and Internal Focus

While the present demands near-perfection, BYU’s long-term outlook gained a boost with recent recruiting news. Five-star quarterback commit Ryder Lyons announced an NIL partnership with Under Armour, reaffirming his allegiance to BYU even as he prepares for an LDS mission before joining the program. Inside the locker room, internal messaging remains consistent: block out noise, ignore playoff chatter, and handle what is directly in front of the team. Offensive lineman Bruce Mitchell underscored that approach, saying the Cougars are fixated on winning the Big 12 and securing a potential rematch with Texas Tech. The program’s discipline is being tested on multiple fronts — navigating roster challenges, sustaining momentum through late-season pressure, and integrating future talent into its broader vision. Through it all, BYU continues to build a case on the field, hoping results speak louder than any appeals made off it.