Full Breakdown
BYU Football Opens 2025 Season Against Portland State
8/31/2025, 1:56:34 AM
Game Overview
The Brigham Young University (BYU) Cougars are set to kick off their 2025 football season against the Portland State Vikings on Saturday, August 30, at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, Utah. The game is scheduled for 6 p.m. MDT and will be broadcast on ESPN+. This matchup marks the second meeting between the two programs, with BYU having previously won 20-6 in 2017.
Team Context
BYU enters the season following a successful 2024 campaign, finishing with an 11-2 record and tying for first place in the Big 12 Conference. The Cougars are currently ranked No. 23 in the preseason Coaches’ poll but are the first team outside the Associated Press Top 25. Conversely, Portland State, a member of the Big Sky Conference, is coming off a disappointing 42-0 loss to Tarleton State, leaving them seeking their first points of the season.
Key Players and Strategies
A focal point for BYU will be true freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who is making history as the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Cougars in a season opener. Bachmeier's performance will be crucial, especially as BYU aims to establish a strong passing game against a struggling Portland State defense that allowed 301 rushing yards in their previous game. The Cougars are expected to utilize their ground attack, led by running backs LJ Martin and Sione Moa, while also integrating Bachmeier into the offense.
The BYU defense, which was the top-ranked unit in the Big 12 last season, is anticipated to perform strongly against Portland State's offense, which has struggled significantly. The defensive lineup includes notable players such as Isaiah Glasker and Jack Kelly at linebacker, and Keanu Tanuvasa at defensive tackle.
Expectations and Predictions
BYU is heavily favored in this matchup, with betting lines indicating a spread of 43 to 44 points. Fans are looking for a decisive victory, with expectations that the Cougars will win by a margin significantly greater than their previous encounter. Analysts predict a comfortable win for BYU, with score predictions ranging from 52-3 to 55-0.
Official Statements
Kalani Sitake, BYU's head coach, emphasized the importance of starting the season strong, stating, “It’s one of the 12 games we have guaranteed on our schedule, and this one happens to be week one.” Meanwhile, Portland State coach Bruce Barnum acknowledged the challenge ahead, expressing a desire to take their best shot against a formidable opponent.
Criticism and Opposition
Despite the optimism surrounding BYU's potential, there are concerns regarding the team's ability to maintain focus and avoid complacency against a lower-tier opponent. Fans and analysts alike are wary of a repeat of the close contest from 2017, where BYU's performance fell short of expectations.
What's Next
Following this game, BYU will face Stanford, while Portland State will travel to North Dakota for their next matchup. The outcome of this game will set the tone for both teams as they navigate their respective seasons.
