Bear Bachmeier delivered an impressive performance for BYU in their recent matchup against West Virginia. The freshman quarterback recorded a career-best 351 yards in a 38-24 victory at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Rich Rodriguez Praises Bear Bachmeier
West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez had high praise for Bachmeier after the game. He remarked, “We made him look like the Heisman winner in the first half. He’s a good player. He’s tough, runs well, and his accuracy on deep throws was remarkable.” Rodriguez noted that his team struggled to defend against Bachmeier’s passing.
BYU’s Offensive Performance
The Cougars amassed a total of 516 yards of offense. Two receivers, Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston, each exceeded 100 receiving yards. Rodriguez acknowledged his team’s defensive shortcomings, stating, “If you don’t make the other team punt, you’re probably going to lose.”
- BYU Total Yards: 516
- Chase Roberts Receiving Yards: Over 100
- Parker Kingston Receiving Yards: Over 100
Khalil Wilkins’ First Career Start
West Virginia’s freshman quarterback, Khalil Wilkins, made his debut, completing 81 passing yards with two interceptions. He also rushed 23 times for 89 yards and a touchdown. Rodriguez commented on Wilkins’ performance, expressing that the atmosphere was challenging for a first-time starter.
Game Atmosphere and Crowd Reaction
The atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium was notably different from previous games, potentially due to an early injury to Jack Kelly. Rodriguez appreciated the Cougar crowd’s engagement, highlighting their support in difficult moments.
West Virginia’s Season Challenges
With this latest defeat, West Virginia’s record stands at 2-4 and 0-3 in Big 12 conference play. Rodriguez, in his first year of returning as head coach, emphasized the need for a shift in mindset among his players. He stated, “Are we doing everything we can to win? I think there’s another level we can get to.”
| Team | Record | Conference Record |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 2-4 | 0-3 |
As the season progresses, the Mountaineers face significant challenges ahead. The team is working towards improving their performance to secure bowl eligibility.
