Ames, Iowa — BYU’s unbeaten run rolled on Saturday night behind clutch defense and another gutsy performance from quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Safety Faletau Satuala’s fourth-quarter interception return for a touchdown sealed the deal as the 11th-ranked Cougars stormed back to defeat Iowa State 41–27 at Jack Trice Stadium.
Bachmeier was brilliant once again, throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns while rushing for another. Wideouts Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts both topped 100 receiving yards, showcasing the explosiveness that has powered BYU to an 8–0 (5–0 Big 12) start — the program’s best since joining the conference.
Early Struggles, Strong Finish
It wasn’t easy for BYU early on. The Cougars fell behind 24–10 late in the first half, undone by penalties and a pair of stalled drives. Iowa State’s Carson Hansen looked unstoppable, gashing the defense for 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns, giving the Cyclones firm control midway through the game.
But as they’ve done multiple times this season, BYU found its rhythm after halftime. Bachmeier engineered a 79-yard drive in the third quarter, converting twice on fourth down before sprinting nine yards up the middle for a go-ahead touchdown.
“We never feel like we’re out of it,” Roberts said. “Even when we’re down a couple touchdowns, there’s complete trust in each other. We just keep believing.”
Turning Point
With the score tied 27–27 in the fourth quarter, Iowa State appeared to force a BYU punt — until disaster struck. The ball grazed Cyclone returner Eli Green, and BYU pounced on the loose ball deep in Iowa State territory. Three plays later, Bachmeier connected with Kingston for a 27-yard strike, his second touchdown catch of the game, to put the Cougars back in front.
Just moments later, Satuala — who led the team with 10 tackles — read a short route perfectly, wrestled the ball away from tight end Gabe Burkle, and sprinted 40 yards to the end zone, putting the game out of reach.
“All game, my teammates kept telling me to stay locked in,” Satuala said. “When the chance came, I just wanted to make a play for them.”
BYU Stays Unbeaten
The Cougars’ 41 points tied their highest output in a Big 12 game since joining the league in 2023. They have now won 14 straight games when scoring 30 or more points, and for the first time in school history, BYU is 8–0 in consecutive seasons.
“We had a lot of things go against us early,” head coach Kalani Sitake said. “But this team never quits. They stay poised, they trust the process, and they finish strong.”
Bachmeier added 49 rushing yards on 12 carries, while Kingston (7 catches, 133 yards, 2 TDs) and Roberts (8 catches, 128 yards) gave Iowa State fits all night.
The Cyclones Falter Late
Iowa State quarterback Rocco Becht threw a career-high three interceptions, including the game-clincher in the final minute, ending any hopes of a comeback. The Cyclones (5–3, 2–3 Big 12) have now dropped three straight — their longest skid since 2022.
“Every time we had a chance to break it open, we let them hang around,” head coach Matt Campbell said. “You can’t do that against a really good football team.”
Up Next:
Iowa State: Returns home to face Arizona State next Saturday.
BYU: Has a bye week before visiting Texas Tech on November 8.
With another comeback victory in the books, the Cougars’ confidence — and their playoff hopes — continue to rise. As Satuala’s game-sealing pick showed, this BYU team knows how to finish.
