Rich Rodriguez Lauds BYU Freshman Bear Bachmeier After Defeat
In a thrilling matchup at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Bear Bachmeier showcased his talent as he led BYU to a decisive 3824 victory over West Virginia. The freshman quarterback impressed both fans and critics alike with a careerhigh 351 passing yards, earning the admiration of West Virginia head coach Rich Rodriguez. Following the game, Rodriguez stated, “We made him look like the Heisman winner in the first half; hand him the Heisman.” His remarks highlighted Bachmeier’s impressive performance, marked by his toughness and remarkable accuracy in deep ball throws.
Bachmeier’s Stellar Performance Sparks BYU Offense
BYU’s offense dominated the field, racking up a total of 516 yards against the Mountaineers. Key contributors included Chase Roberts and Parker Kingston, both surpassing 100 receiving yards. Rodriguez acknowledged the efficacy of BYU’s offensive plays, expressing frustration at his team’s inability to defend against them. He remarked, “We can’t make a play on the ball in the air; all those long pass plays. They did whatever they want.” This inability to pressure the BYU offense proved costly for West Virginia, as the Cougars consistently moved the chains and kept the Mountaineers from gaining momentum.
West Virginia’s Freshman Quarterback Faces Challenges
Khalil Wilkins, West Virginia’s own freshman quarterback, had a challenging debut, completing 81 passing yards and throwing two interceptions while also contributing 89 rushing yards and a touchdown on 23 carries. Rodriguez acknowledged Wilkins’ struggle in a highpressure environment, stating, “He played hard… a freshman in that environment, I thought he was into the game.” Although he faced difficulties, there are signs of potential in Wilkins, who showed competitive spirit and determination amidst challenging conditions.
BYU’s Game Day Atmosphere Enlivens Matchup
The atmosphere at LaVell Edwards Stadium, despite being somewhat subdued due to early injury concerns, offered a snapshot of BYU football excitement. Rodriguez, experiencing the BYU crowd for the first time, noted the engaging environment. “It was hard to hear a couple of times; they did a nice job of that whole atmosphere,” he said, underscoring the vital role that fan support plays in energizing the team.
Looking Ahead: Recovery and Rebuilding for West Virginia
The loss brings West Virginia’s record to 24 for the season and 03 in Big 12 play, posing future challenges for the Mountaineers as they seek bowl eligibility. Rodriguez, now in his first season of his second stint with the program, remains committed to evaluating team performance and fostering improvement. “We’re going to evaluate and see what we can do to coach better… I know how to fix it,” he stated confidently. He emphasized the importance of total team commitment, urging every member to assess their contributions: “Are we doing everything we can to win?”
As the Mountaineers move forward in the season, their focus will be on developing strategies for success and cultivating a resilient team culture under Rodriguez’s leadership.