For the second straight week, BYU football is the first team out of the AP top 25.
Facing a Power Four team — albeit one of the bottom feeders in the ACC — in Stanford , the Cougars' performance could vault them into the top 25 for the first time this season.
BYU and Stanford in their opening games
Stanford made the long trek to Hawaii two Saturdays ago, where they fell just short of beating the Rainbow Warriors. A last second field-goal by Hawaii clinched the game 23-20. Stanford's starting quarterback Ben Gulbranson struggled throughout the game, only completing 15 of 30 passes for 109 yards and an interception.
The Cardinal have now lost three of their last 13, going back to the 2024 season in which they finished with a 3-9 record, good for last place in the ACC.
The Cougars had quite the opposite opening game from Stanford, beating FCS-side Portland State 69-0. Portland State is one of the worst teams in the FCS, so the score shouldn't come as a surprise, but BYU still executed its game plan to perfection against the lesser opponent.
Bachmeier Bros. vs old team
The most unique storyline in this game is that BYU's starting quarterback, Bear Bachmeier, and his wide receiver brother, Tiger, both played at Stanford before transferring to BYU in May.
Tiger played two seasons for the Cardinal, amassing 46 receptions, 476 yards, two receiving touchdowns and a punt return touchdown.
Bear originally committed to Stanford out of high school and enrolled early to participate in spring practice, but transferred after camp was over.
Where to watch BYU vs Stanford
Date: Saturday, Sept. 6
Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium | Provo, UT
Time: 8:15 MDT
Channel: ESPN