BYU football: Grades in for BYU’s 29-7 loss to Texas Tech
Courtesy BYU Photo
LJ Martin works to break a tackle during BYU's 29-7 loss to Texas Tech on Saturday. November 8, 2025BYU football beat reporter Brandon Gurney gives his grades for the Cougar’s position group and coaches for Saturday’s 29-7 loss to Texas Tech at Jones AT&T Stadium on Saturday.
Quarterback: C-
Bear Bachmeier needed to have a big game passing, but only managed 188 yards through the air in completing 23 of his 38 attempts. The freshman also accounted for an interception and a fumble during instances where he was attempting to do a bit too much. For the first time this season Bachmeier couldn’t find open running lanes and only gained 12 yards on the ground on 11 carries while being held in check by the Red Raider defense throughout. Texas Tech provided the toughest test for BYU’s young phenom, and it showed throughout the game’s 60 minutes.
Running backs: C-
This is a tough mark given LJ Martin’s health status which was clearly a limiting factor, and particularly during the second half of play. Martin started out well, finding good holes, but bogged down as the game worse on, ultimately finishing with just 35 yards on 10 carries. Martin did become more involved in the passing game and added six receptions for 29 yards, but fell far short of the impact he’s provided all season. Yet again BYU received little to no production from any other running back on the roster, which could prove to be a mounting problem given Martin’s limitations due to injury.
Receivers/Tight Ends: C
Too many dropped passes and not enough impact were provided by BYU’s receivers to warrant more than just a C grade. It was great to see JoJo Phillips back in action, but he was rusty and dropped what would have been a big gainer early on. Chase Roberts was generally very good, but just missed catching a long ball late that could have made things somewhat interesting. Parker Kingston didn’t receive a lot of targets until late and provided minimal impact relative to how well he’s played here of late. Overall the team needed more production from BYU’s receivers and it didn’t happen.
Offensive line: B-
BYU’s offensive front was not overwhelmed by Texas Tech’s formidable defensive front 7, and did well providing the offense with decent time to complete passes. The overall performance wasn’t dominating, however, and with LJ Martin ailing, the group needed to step up a bit more than it did. But overall the line did its job in limiting sack opportunities and providing good holes to run through early. The offensive line certainly wasn’t the biggest problem for the otherwise lackluster offensive effort on Saturday.
Defensive line: B-
The Cougar defensive front was hit or miss versus Texas Tech’s running attack. For the most part, it held its own, but did start to yield big yardage in the second half. The pass rush was relatively good and the defense limited running opportunities for Texas Tech quarterback Behran Morton. Overall the unit didn’t get overwhelmed and held its own, earning itself a relatively solid grade in the process.
Linebackers: B
Overall this was the best performance the linebackers have had in some time, and it’s largely due to being able to heal up over the bye week. Siale Esera made a big impact early, but it was Jack Kelly who really stood out in looking much like he did prior to his shoulder injury. Isaiah Glasker, who has been battling through an ankle injury, looked closer to his old self although he still seems to lack a certain amount of burst off of the snap.
Defensive backs: B-
BYU’s defensive backs had the opportunity to make several plays that could have changed the course of the game, but didn’t come through. The unit was good, for the most part, but did give up too many chunk plays, particularly in the second half and during third-down situations. Safety Faletau Satuala didn’t provide the impact fans have grown used to and overall it was a rather pedestrian performance from the cornerback and safeties.
Special Teams: D-
muffed punt, a shanked punt and a missed field goal all played big in the first half as Texas Tech took control of the game. BYU has almost always been provided a boost by its special teams play, but on Saturday it was very much the opposite. The execution wasn’t solid and the unit did nothing to provide any type of advantage, but did work to give Texas Tech a decided advantage in one of the more unanticipated facets of Saturday’s game.
Coaching: B-
BYU didn’t show enough of the game-planning advantage you’d anticipate after two weeks to prepare, and particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The offensive play-calling was very conservative from the start, and with LJ Martin ailing, a more open attack may have been warranted. On the defensive side of the ball Jay Hill’s unit was raring to go, but did bog down toward the end, largely due to the offensive futility. Overall BYU Offensive Coordinator has perhaps had his best season coaching, making Saturday’s overall offensive performance somewhat surprising.


