BYU Faces East Carolina in Key Nonconference Showdown

PROVO, Utah — BYU looks to maintain its perfect season as it faces East Carolina on the road this Saturday. After winning their first two games with a combined score of 96-3, the Cougars are ready for their final nonconference play before entering Big 12 competition.

This matchup is part of a home-and-home series, with BYU hosting East Carolina in 2022, where the Pirates handed the Cougars a narrow 27-24 defeat. Since then, both teams have undergone significant changes; BYU has earned a Power Four bid and strengthened its roster while East Carolina struggled, showing a 14-18 overall record and just one win against Power Four programs.

The game kicks off at 5:30 p.m. MDT and is broadcast on ESPN2. A victory could propel BYU into the Associated Press Top 25 ranking for the third consecutive season.

Leading the Cougars is Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman quarterback who has shown impressive ability through his first games. He has completed 63.2% of his passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns without an interception, alongside three rushing touchdowns.

Meanwhile, BYU’s running back LJ Martin leads the Big 12 with an average of 120 yards per game. The Cougars boast a strong offense, averaging 45 points per game, ranking 14th nationally.

East Carolina’s defense, although boasting promising players like defensive tackle JD Lampley and defensive backs Jordy Lowery and Ja’Marley Riddle, has lost 10 starters since their last match against BYU. They currently allow just 9 points per game, ranking 11th nationally.

The Pirates opened this season with a mixed performance, managing to defeat weaker opponents but falling short against competition like NC State.

This matchup poses challenges for BYU’s offense, especially due to East Carolina’s strengthened defense. BYU’s previous performances have been less pressured, making this game a significant test for Bachmeier. The Cougars’ previous game plans showed some weaknesses, especially in the red zone, as they only converted two touchdowns from six trips.

Overall, the Cougars head into the game with confidence, hoping to end their nonconference slate successfully before shifting focus to Big 12 competition.

“We’ve worked hard and are prepared for the challenges that East Carolina will bring. We want to finish strong before conference play,” said Bachmeier.