Provo residents saw the Cougars’ College Football Playoff hopes take a hit on Saturday when BYU lost 28‑20 to rival Utah, a result that also set the stage for a pivotal home game against Baylor on Nov. 14.
According to Fox13Now, the No. 7 Cougars (7‑2, 4‑2 Big 12, No. 9 CFP) managed only 111 total yards and turned the ball over three times in the second half. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier threw three interceptions after halftime and four overall, completing just four of his final 13 attempts for 27 yards. The Utes rallied from a six‑point halftime deficit, extending their FBS‑leading 15‑game winning streak.
Coach Kalani Sitake said, “We have to rally back from this. I told the team our goals are still there. We just need some more help now.” The loss leaves BYU two games behind Utah in the league standings and marks the second defeat in three games since beating then‑No. 2 Notre Dame.
Utah quarterback Devon Dampier, who had his streak of 200‑yard passing games end at seven, posted 177 passing yards and four touchdowns, adding 89 rushing yards to finish with at least 200 yards of offense in all nine games.
Running back LJ Martin, returning from a lower‑leg injury suffered at TCU, contributed 19 rushing yards, a touchdown on seven carries, and a five‑yard reception, but his limited output could not offset the turnover‑laden second half.
While the loss hurts BYU’s CFP trajectory, the upcoming matchup offers a chance to stay in the Big 12 title conversation. BaylorBears.com announced that the Baylor Bears (6‑3, 4‑2) will travel to LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo for a 2:30 p.m. CT game on Saturday, Nov. 14. The contest will be televised on FOX, with a radio simulcast on the Baylor Sports Media Network.
This will be Baylor’s first trip to Provo since 2022 and only the third time the Bears have played at BYU in program history. Both teams enter the game with identical conference records, making the result crucial for positioning ahead of the Big 12 championship race.
What’s next: Provo fans can watch the Baylor‑BYU showdown live on FOX on Nov. 14 at 2:30 p.m. CT. The game’s outcome could determine whether BYU remains in contention for the Big 12 title and a potential CFP berth.
Sources: fox13now.com, baylorbears.com
