Cougars Fall in Big 12 Championship: Key Takeaways

Bassyonni

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Cougars Fall in Big 12 Championship: Key Takeaways

In a disappointing conclusion to their season, the BYU Cougars were defeated by Texas Tech 34-7 in the Big 12 Championship Game. The matchup took place on December 6, 2025, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, marking a significant blow to BYU’s hope of securing a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Big 12 Championship Game Recap

The Cougars started strong, forcing Texas Tech to punt on their opening drive. They then executed a 90-yard march, culminating in a touchdown by LJ Martin. Unfortunately, this was BYU’s only score of the game.

Game Highlights

Texas Tech countered with 34 unanswered points. BYU struggled significantly after their initial drive, managing only 110 yards across their next twelve possessions and suffering four turnovers, including a failed fake punt.

BYU’s quarterback Bear Bachmeier suffered an ankle injury early in the game, impacting his performance.
The Cougars were unable to penetrate the red zone again after their first touchdown.
The offensive line struggled against a dominant Texas Tech defense, leading to just 60 rushing yards.

Defensive Dominance by Texas Tech

Texas Tech’s defense effectively stifled BYU’s offense. They recorded two sacks, four hits on the quarterback, and eight tackles for loss. Linebacker Jacob Rodriguez delivered an impressive performance with 13 tackles, while Ben Roberts secured two interceptions.

BYU’s Playoff Aspirations Dashed

Heading into the game ranked No. 11 in the College Football Playoff standings, BYU’s loss eliminated any chances of participating in the final bracket reveal. A close outcome may have provided a case for playoff inclusion, but the decisive defeat sealed their fate.

Reflecting on the Season

Despite the championship loss, BYU can take pride in a stellar season. They achieved 11 regular-season victories and reached the conference championship game for only the third time in their history. Their performance with a true freshman quarterback, who joined the program just months prior, is commendable.

Although the outcome was not what they envisioned, this season has set a new standard for Cougar football. BYU players and fans are left optimistic for future seasons, continuing the pursuit of a national championship.