BYU uses balanced attack to beat East Carolina, 34-13

GREENVILLE, N.C. (ABC4 Sports) – It took 11 and a half quarters, but the BYU defense finally surrendered a touchdown this season. But it hardly mattered at that point.

Bear Bachmeier threw for 246 yards and a touchdown, and also rushed for a score as the Cougars used a complete team effort to knock off East Carolina in their first road game of the season, 34-13, to improve to 3-0 on the season.

Evan Johnson had a goal-line interception followed by a short pick-6 on East Carolina’s next throw to lead the defensive effort. BYU had not allowed a touchdown this season until the Pirates punched in a score with just over eight minutes left in the game.

LJ Martin eclipsed the 100-yard mark for the third time in three games, rushing for 101 yards on 14 carries, including his first touchdown of the year, a 41-yard scamper with 3:44 left to put the game away.

The defense twice kept the Pirates (2-2) out of the end zone on drives that breached BYU’s 10-yard line. Johnson cut in front of a bad-decision throw by Katin Houser for a TD-preventing pick that ended one second-quarter drive, while BYU held ECU to a third-quarter field goal after taking a 20-3 lead.

Johnson’s score stood out, coming after ECU muffed a punt return to start from its own 1 with 59 seconds before halftime. On the next snap, Houser threw left toward Anthony Smith, only to see Johnson pounce on the route for an easy score.

Bachmeier hit Carsen Ryan for a 20-yard touchdown in the third quarter to make it a 20-3 game.

BYU surrendered its first touchdown this year on Houser’s 2-yard run midway through the fourth, though the Cougars led 27-6 by that point.

Bachmeier completed 18 of 26 passes for 246 yards, while Chase Roberts led the Cougars receivers with five catches for 97 yards. Ryan had four receptions for 63 yards, while Parker Kingston added five catches for 55 yards.

BYU rushed for 172 yards and threw for 246. The Pirates racked up 404 yards of total offense, but were able to only score one touchdown and two field goals.

Jack Kelly added two sacks, while Raider Damuni led BYU with eight tackles.

Will Ferrin booted two field goals for BYU, to remain perfect on the year, making all ten field goal attempts.

The Cougars, the top vote-getter among unranked teams for the AP Top 25 poll, are 3-0 for the third straight year and fifth time in six seasons.

The Cougars next open Big 12 play by visiting Colorado on Sept. 27.

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