LJ Martin, the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, has been central to BYU’s offensive identity all season.
The Cougars have been at their most effective when the run game sets the tone and puts the offense in favorable short-down situations.
Martin was absent Saturday afternoon due to shoulder surgery, but quarterback Bear Bachmeier and his receivers carried the team to a 25-21 Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over No. 22 Georgia Tech.
With both Martin and Sione Moa out, offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick leaned heavily on the passing game, turning to a more air-raid approach that put extra responsibility on his freshman quarterback.
Even so, Bachmeier was efficient early and provided stability from the opening series.
Bachmeier led a 12-play, 74-yard opening drive that moved the ball consistently through the air.
But the possession ended without points after third-string running back Enoch Nawahine was stopped on fourth-and-goal from inside the one-yard line.
The offense responded on its next drive. Bachmeier directed a five-play, 62-yard possession that ended with a touchdown pass to Chase Roberts late in the first quarter to put BYU on the board.
Defensively, BYU was unable to generate consistent pressure.
Jack Kelly, who entered the game with 10 sacks, third-most in the FBS, did not play, likely in preparation for the NFL Draft. Without him, Georgia Tech quarterback Haynes King had time to throw.
After an opening punt, the Yellow Jackets scored on three straight possessions to take a 21-10 lead into halftime.
BYU’s defense limited further damage in the second half; a true bend-don't-break method once again.
Georgia Tech gained 101 yards and averaged more than five yards per play in the third quarter, but a red-zone turnover and a blocked field goal prevented the lead from extending.
BYU used that opportunity early in the fourth quarter. An 11-play, 80-yard drive ended with Nawahine scoring from two yards out. Bachmeier added the two-point conversion, cutting the deficit to 21-18.
With just over six minutes remaining, BYU still trailed but Bachmeier led a surgical drive inside the Georgia Tech five-yard line, where freshman Jovesa Damuni finished it off on a short run to give BYU a 25-21 lead, its first in over 40 minutes of game time.
But Georgia Tech would make BYU sweat it out on its final possession.
Facing fourth-and-15 deep in its own territory, quarterback Haynes King connected with wide receiver Eric Rivers for a 66-yard gain to move inside the BYU 20.
The Cougars’ defense responded with three consecutive stops. On fourth down, Evan Johnson intercepted the pass in the end zone to end the drive and secure the win.
The victory gives BYU its 12th of the season, the program’s first 12-win campaign since 2001.
Bachmeier finished 27-of-38 for 325 yards and a touchdown and an interception, with a 146 passer rating.
In a game where BYU was missing its best offensive player in LJ Martin, Bachmeier, who was named MVP of the game, put the offense on his back and gave fans a true glimpse at what the next two to three years could look like.
Other Notables
Carsen Ryan had a career day in his final game in a BYU uniform, finishing with eight receptions for 120 yards.
Chase Roberts also came up big for Bachmeier and the offense in his final game, finishing with seven receptions for 57 yards and a touchdown.