Bachmeier and the offense gain momentum as BYU handles East Carolina 34-13

Early on, BYU kept things conservative — much like what we’ve seen so far from offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick.

After an initial downfield shot to Parker Kingston just missed, with Kingston stepping out of bounds, Roderick went back to a familiar script. Jet sweeps, bubble screens, and designed quarterback runs defined the early approach, but none had much success.

The offense managed only 37 passing yards and three points in the first quarter before Roderick opened things up to start the second.

That’s when freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier finally got the green light to let it rip.

On that drive, he went 5-of-6 for 81 yards, connecting on multiple downfield throws that gave the Cougars’ offense its first real sense of explosiveness.

Though the drive ended with just a field goal, the rhythm and confidence were unmistakable — both for Bachmeier and his play-caller.

The payoff came after halftime.

BYU scored touchdowns on three of its four second-half possessions, a sign of an offense beginning to find its stride at the right time.

That rhythm will be crucial as the Cougars head to Boulder next Saturday to take on Colorado.

Perhaps most encouraging, Bachmeier showed some serious poise in handling a loud and hostile ECU crowd — and he has still yet to commit a turnover this season.

He finished 18 of 25 for 246 yards and a touchdown through the air, adding 26 yards and another score on the ground.

Three games in, the growth is clear. Bachmeier has looked better each week, and BYU fans should be nothing but encouraged by the trajectory of their young quarterback.