In West Virginia vs BYU, the Cougars rolled to a 38–24 victory behind Bear Bachmeier’s 351 passing yards, big performances from Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, LJ Martin, and key defensive plays. Read full BYU vs West Virginia recap, Byu Football outlook, WVU’s struggles, player stats, where to watch, and what’s next.
Introduction / Hook
Friday night in Provo delivered a strong statement: BYU Football defeated West Virginia 38-24 in a performance that underscored the Cougars’ growing legitimacy in the Big 12 and the challenges facing the WVU Mountaineers under coach Rich Rodriguez. In a game full of big plays, turnovers, and momentum swings, BYU’s freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw for a career best while supporting cast members Chase Roberts, Parker Kingston, and LJ Martin made impact contributions. Meanwhile, WVU’s offense, led by Khalil Wilkins and backups, fought to stay in the game but was hampered by big plays and defensive adjustments from BYU.
This article will give you:
- A play-by-play recap of West Virginia vs BYU
- Player box stats, highlights, and advanced metrics
- Tactical and coaching analysis: what BYU got right and where WVU failed
- Where to watch (TV/stream) for future Byu and WVU games
- Historical and season context for both programs
- Suggested sources and publishing meta details
Let’s break it down.
Background & pre-game context
BYU status, expectations & recent form
- BYU entered this matchup at 5-0 overall, 2-0 in Big 12 play, rising to No. 23 in the AP Poll.
- The Cougars’ offense had been efficient and explosive, led by freshman Bear Bachmeier— the early returns have shown upside in his arm strength and decision-making.
- BYU had never beaten WVU in their series history (0–2) — prior losses in 2016 and 2023.
- Media previews pegged BYU as heavy favorites (–18.5 spread in many lines) given WVU’s defensive vulnerabilities and offensive inconsistencies.
WVU status & storyline under Rodriguez
- The West Virginia Mountaineers entered with a 2–4 overall record, 0–3 in Big 12 play.
- 2025 marks the return of Rich Rodriguez to the WVU sideline (he previously coached there).
- The Mountaineer offensive scheme relies on a spread-option, and defensively they’re operating a multiple 4–2–5 under new coordinator Zac Alley.
- WVU had shown flashes but lacked consistency, particularly in passing offense and handling pressure.
Thus, West Virginia vs BYU was billed as a test: BYU seeking to break through history, WVU trying to salvage relevance in conference.
How to watch & viewing info
If you’re searching “Where to watch West Virginia Mountaineers Football vs BYU Football” or “BYU Game TV / streaming”, here’s what was used this week:
- The game was broadcast on ESPN, with national coverage and streaming via the ESPN app / ESPN+.
- Kickoff was Friday night in Provo, Utah at LaVell Edwards Stadium. (
- For future BYU and WVU matchups, check ESPN networks, local affiliate agreements, and official team schedule pages for broadcast/stream links.
Having this info early in the article helps users and search engines.
Game recap and narrative — West Virginia vs BYU (quarter by quarter)
First Quarter
- BYU struck first quickly. On a turnover — interception thrown by WVU — Therrian Alexander jumped a route, took it 49 yards to the WVU 3, setting up an easy score.
- On their next drive, Bear Bachmeier connected with Parker Kingston for a 54-yard touchdown — Kingston outran defenders in open space on a seam route.
- BYU led 14-0 by the end of the quarter.
Second Quarter
- WVU managed a 45-yard field goal by Kade Hensley to get on the board.
- BYU responded with a running touchdown from LJ Martin (4 yards).
- West Virginia struck again via Diore Hubbard’s 3-yard run, capitalizing on a fumble forced by Fred Perry.
- With time winding, Bachmeier sneaked in a 2-yard touchdown just before halftime to push the lead. BYU went into the half up 28-10.
- BYU kicked a field goal (by Will Ferrin) in their opening drive to extend the lead.
- WVU responded when Khalil Wilkins scrambled and scored a 6-yard rushing touchdown later in the quarter.
- The quarter ended with the score 31-17 BYU.
Fourth Quarter
- BYU added another score via LJ Martin’s 1-yard run — his second touchdown of the night.
- WVU got a late score: Cam Vaughn caught a 29-yard pass from Scotty Fox Jr., making the final 38-24.
game notes – BYU vs West Virginia pic.twitter.com/O094ZaCedU
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) October 2, 2025
Final score & stats summary
Final Score: BYU 38, West Virginia 24
Total Yards & Offense:
- BYU: ~517 total yards, with a strong passing showing (351 yards) and effective run game.
- West Virginia: Notably less consistent; turned the ball over, gave up big plays.
Top Performers:
- Bear Bachmeier (BYU QB): 351 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 1 rushing TD.
- Chase Roberts (BYU WR): 4 catches for 161 yards.
- Parker Kingston (BYU WR): 111 yards, TD, includes big play of 54 yards.
- LJ Martin (BYU RB): Two rushing touchdowns.
- Khalil Wilkins (WVU QB): ~170 yards total offense; threw two interceptions.
Turnovers & Big Plays:
- WVU’s Therrian Alexander intercepted Bachmeier and returned it 49 yards to set up BYU’s first TD.
- Bachmeier had at least one interception as well (mixed returns of possession).
- Big explosiveness: 54-yard TD pass to Kingston, 85-yard Roberts catch-and-run play.
[Note: Images are collected from Instagram]
Tactical & coaching analysis — why BYU won, WVU struggled
BYU’s formula: vertical threats + turnovers
- BYU exploited big plays: connecting deep (Kingston 54 yards) and letting receivers like Roberts run after catch (85-yard gain) stretched the WVU defense.
- BYU’s defense forced mistakes in key spots (interception by Alexander) and capitalized with short field position.
- The Cougars balanced run and pass, keeping the Mountaineers off balance and limiting sustained drives from WVU.
WVU’s issues & where they faltered
- Turnovers at inopportune times hurt momentum and shifted point potential to BYU.
- The Mountaineers struggled to match BYU’s explosiveness; their offense lacked consistent chunk plays.
- Their defense was susceptible to deep or seam routes, which BYU exploited repeatedly.
- On 4th downs and red zone opportunities, WVU failed to convert or got stuck at critical stops (e.g., a 4th-and-2 stop in the first half).
Coaching & adjustments
- BYU coach Kalani Sitake and his staff drew up effective scheme fits early and let Bachmeier push the pace.
- Rich Rodriguez’s offense attempted to lean on Wilkins’ mobility, but the passing game couldn’t connect under pressure.
- WVU’s mid-game adjustments didn’t fully plug the deep passing lanes BYU exploited.