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Brigham Young University

BYU Cougars Dominate Portland State in 69-0 Shutout Victory

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The BYU Cougars rolled over the Portland State Vikings 69-0 in a dominant display of offense and defense on Saturday night at Lavell Edwards Stadium. The team's rushing attack was the highlight of the night, with 468 yards on the ground, the most since 2009 against Texas. Junior running back LJ Martin had a career-high 131 yards on eight carries, including a 49-yard carry that set up a touchdown.

Key Takeaways:

  • The BYU Cougars' 69-0 victory over Portland State is the largest shutout in program history, surpassing the previous record of 65-0 in 1988 against New Mexico.
  • The team's rushing attack was led by LJ Martin, who totaled 131 yards on eight carries and set a new career high.
  • True freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier made his debut as a Cougar and recorded five touchdowns, three passing and two rushing, in a program-record for a freshman.
  • Bachmeier joins an elite group of BYU quarterbacks, including Tanner Mangum, Taysom Hill, and Zach Wilson, who have thrown multiple touchdowns in their first game as a Cougar.
  • The defense held Portland State to -5 rushing yards and 56 passing yards, with 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.
  • Eight different players scored touchdowns for the Cougars, with five players recording their first-career touchdowns in the game.
  • The team had 24 different players record a tackle, with John Tamoepeau sparking the momentum by blocking a Viking field goal attempt.

Statistics:

  • 468 rushing yards by the BYU Cougars, the most since 2009 against Texas and the second-most in program history.
  • LJ Martin's 131 yards on eight carries, setting a new career high.
  • Bear Bachmeier's five touchdowns, three passing and two rushing, in a program-record for a freshman.
  • 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, two sacks, and a fumble recovery by the BYU defense.
  • 24 different players recording a tackle for the Cougars.
  • 69-0 final score, the largest shutout in BYU history.
  • 2001 - Ryan Denney vs. San Diego State, the last time a BYU player blocked a field goal returned for a touchdown.

Sources:

  • BYU Athletics
  • San Diego Union-Tribune (2001, 1988)

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