BYU’s going to be without their superstar running back LJ Martin for at least a month, maybe even longer, after he went down with a lower body injury in their 17-10 win over TCU. This is a massive blow for the No. 8 Cougars, especially with a stacked Big 12 schedule already underway and some huge non-conference matchups looming. ESPN is reporting he’s looking at four to six weeks on the sideline. That’s a brutal hit for a team trying to make some noise.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: How Big a Hole Is This?
Let’s be real: Martin isn’t just “a” running back; he’s *the* guy for the Cougars. He’s rushed 44 times for 344 yards and three touchdowns already this season, adding five catches for 41 yards. That’s some serious production through just five weeks. And if you think that’s good, remember what he did in 2025. The dude was the reigning Big 12 offensive player of the year, absolutely shredding defenses for 1,305 yards and 12 scores on 236 carries as BYU stormed to the conference title game. The Cougars were even trying to limit his workload early this year, clearly saving him for the grind of Big 12 play. Now? All those plans are out the window. Outside of QB Bear Bachmeier, no other player on the roster even has 20 carries. Journee Tonga is the second-leading back with 19 carries for 157 yards and a touchdown, including 91 yards on 10 carries against Colorado State, but only seven carries for 28 yards versus TCU. That’s a huge drop-off in production and experience.
Bachmeier Needs To Step Up, And Fast
With Martin sidelined, the entire dynamic of the BYU offense changes. We already saw a glimpse of it against TCU when Bachmeier had to take on the bulk of the rushing load himself, scampering for 66 yards on 15 carries. Get this: he rushed for more yards than he even threw against the Horned Frogs, going just 11-of-24 for 62 yards through the air. That’s not a sustainable game plan, especially when you look at the schedule ahead. Martin’s absence is going to significantly hinder BYU’s chances against two huge opponents: the No. 3 Fighting Irish are coming to Provo on October 17, and then the Cougars have a road game against No. 12 Utah on November 7. These are the kinds of games that define a season, and doing it without your superstar back? That’s a mountain to climb.
The Cougars have to figure out their identity without Martin, starting with their Friday night matchup against Iowa State. It’s a huge moment for Bachmeier and for Tonga to prove they can carry the load. With Notre Dame coming next, they don’t have much time to waste.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply