The Cougar offense was underwhelming.

Such is the journey with a true freshman quarterback.

BYU dispatched Stanford on Saturday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, giving up just 161 yards to the Cardinal in a 27-3 victory.

The Cougar defense forced three turnovers and scored on a safety, consistently setting up the BYU offense with great field position. The Cougar special teams were solid, with four field goals from Will Ferrin, good coverage on kicks and a 44-punt return from Tiger Bachmeier.

BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier seemed limited by a conservative game plan but finished 17 of 27 for 175 yards and scored a rushing touchdown. Running back LJ Martin contributed his second 100-yard game of the young season with 110 yards on 18 carries. The Cougars left points on the field by not finishing drives due to penalties, lack of execution or the Stanford defense, pick your poison.

The announced attendance of 64,692 (a sellout) was the largest since the 2007 season.

The Cougars (2-0) have a bye next week and will travel to East Carolina on Sept. 20.

For more on BYU’s win against Stanford, check back on heraldextra.com.