BYU Prepares for Nonconference Finish Against East Carolina

Provo, Utah, September 19, 2025

News Summary

BYU is gearing up for a crucial nonconference matchup against East Carolina after a dominant start to the season, winning its first two games 96-3. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. MDT, broadcast on ESPN2. The Cougars aim for a victory to improve their rankings ahead of Big 12 play. Last time, East Carolina edged BYU 27-24 in 2022. Both teams look to secure early-season momentum, with BYU’s offense averaging 45 points per game and East Carolina’s defense ranked high nationally.

Provo, Utah – BYU is gearing up for its crucial nonconference finish against East Carolina following a dominant start to the season. The Cougars, who have won their first two games by a staggering combined score of 96-3, are looking to secure a victory that could position them favorably in the upcoming Associated Press Top 25 rankings ahead of their Big 12 play.

Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast on ESPN2. This matchup is the final game of a home-and-home series, with BYU previously hosting East Carolina in 2022, where the Pirates came out on top with a narrow 27-24 victory. The game holds significance for both teams as they strive for early-season momentum.

East Carolina currently holds a record of 14-18 overall and has faced challenges against Power Four teams, registering a 1-4 record since their last matchup with BYU. The Pirates’ defense has shown resilience, ranking 11th in the NCAA with just 9 points allowed per game. However, they are coming up against a BYU offense that thrives under pressure. The Cougars currently average 45 points per game, placing them 14th in FBS and boasting an impressive 7.0 yards per play, which ranks 25th nationally.

Newly appointed quarterback Bear Bachmeier, a true freshman, has stepped up for BYU, completing 24-of-38 passes for 272 yards, 3 touchdowns, and zero interceptions. His performance has been pivotal, although East Carolina is anticipated to offer the toughest defensive line he has faced to date. In addition to Bachmeier, running back LJ Martin leads the Big 12 with an average of 120 rushing yards per game and a substantial 9.3 yards per carry.

Despite its overall effectiveness, BYU’s offense has faced some setbacks. During the game against Stanford, several receiver drops raised concerns about the reliability of the receiving corps. Furthermore, BYU was only able to convert two of their six red zone trips into touchdowns, which they will need to improve upon against East Carolina.

East Carolina, while losing 10 starters from their 2024 defense, still retains four candidates for All-American Athletic Conference honors, which speaks to their depth and experience. Their defense managed to keep NC State below their usual scoring average, placing them among the top 10 nationally across several defensive categories.

On the other hand, BYU’s defense is performing phenomenally, leading the nation in points allowed per game (1.5) and yards allowed per play (2.1). Their recent performance against Stanford exemplified their dominance, allowing only 161 yards and 3 points. The Cougars’ linebacker unit, featuring Jack Kelly and Isaiah Glasker, is a strong aspect of their defense, both of whom are likely to be recognized with All-Big 12 honors.

The all-time series between BYU and East Carolina is tilted in favor of the Pirates, with East Carolina leading 2-1. Prior to their 2022 victory, the teams split their encounters in the 2015/2017 home-and-home series. However, with a renewed roster and an additional week to prepare, BYU is expected to capitalize on their talent advantage.

The upcoming game will serve as a significant pressure test for Bachmeier, who aims to lead BYU to a perfect nonconference slate. Predictions suggest that BYU will emerge victorious with a projected final score of 23-17 against East Carolina.

FAQ

{
“@context”: “https://schema.org”,
“@type”: “FAQPage”,
“mainEntity”: [
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What are BYU’s current stats this season?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “BYU won its first two games by a combined score of 96-3 and is averaging 45 points per game (14th in FBS) and 7.0 yards per play (25th).”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “When is the game against East Carolina taking place?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “Kickoff for the game is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. MDT and will be broadcasted on ESPN2.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What was the result of the last matchup between BYU and East Carolina?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “East Carolina won the previous matchup with BYU 27-24 in 2022.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “How have both teams changed over the last three years?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “BYU has secured a Power Four bid, upgraded its roster, and improved its defense. East Carolina holds a current record of 14-18 overall and is 1-4 against Power Four teams since the first matchup with BYU.”
}
},
{
“@type”: “Question”,
“name”: “What impact do previous performances have on this game?”,
“acceptedAnswer”: {
“@type”: “Answer”,
“text”: “This matchup is expected to be competitive and will be the first significant pressure situation for quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who has thus far completed 24-of-38 passes for 272 yards, 3 touchdowns, and no interceptions.”
}
}
]
}

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Ruffin McNeill Joins UVA Coaching Staff
Family Weekend at East Carolina University
East Carolina University Football Players Suspended Indefinitely
Wichita State Baseball Secures Vital Series Win Against East Carolina
East Carolina Football Season Ticket Sales Begin

Additional Resources

• 247 Sports: ECU Football Series History
• Deseret: BYU vs. ECU Game Insights
• SI: Advanced Analytics for BYU at ECU
• KSL: BYU vs. ECU Preview
• Wikipedia: Brigham Young University
• Encyclopedia Britannica: East Carolina University
• Google Search: East Carolina Football
• Google News: BYU Football

Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER

The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.