BYU is 3-0 for the third consecutive season and set a new program record in the process as the Cougars went on the road and defeated East Carolina 34-13 in front of 47,213 fans at Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium.

Once again, it was the defense that stole the show as corner Evan Johnson had a goal-line interception and then followed it up with a short pick-6 on the following possession for the Pirates.

“It was just something we saw on film the whole week,” Johnson said after the game. “The quarterback gave me the three-step (drop), and that was my opportunity to just time it and just know I’ve got to go make a play and get the ball.”

He needed only three strides to score, skipping in celebration before stopping briefly to wave into the camera of a BYU photographer — yes, expect to see that in “The Cut” Cougar fans.

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The BYU defense did give up their first touchdown of the season in the second half as the Pirates were benefited by numerous questionable penalties on BYU, which helped the Pirates drive down the field. Still, the Cougars can hang their hats high as they held teams out of the end zone for 11 consecutive quarters — the most by any team this year and the longest since the 1932 season for the program.

On offense, true freshman Bear Bachmeier looked good in his first road start as the dual-threat quarterback accounted for two touchdowns in the win. He completed 18-of-25 passes for 246 yards, including a 20-yard touchdown pass to Carson Ryan. Later, he followed it up with a 16-yard touchdown run up the middle to put the game away. Bachmeier has now rushed for four touchdowns on the season — the most on the team.

LJ Martin had another big game as the junior finished with a game-high 101 yards and a touchdown as the junior averaged 7.2 yards per carry on the night. This includes his 41-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to put the game out of reach. Martin also kept his streak alive with three straight games of more than 100 yards.

Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU, WVU, TTU, UH Soar — Utah, KSU Fall (Week 4)

Bachmeier looked frequently to Chase Roberts, as well as Ryan. Roberts finished with 5 catches for 97 yards, while Ryan added 4 receptions for 63 yards and a score.

Last but not least, special teams was excellent once again as the Cougars hit an East Carolina player right as he was catching the ball, which then led to the ball rolling all the way to the 1-yard line. The following play, Johnson scored on the Pick-6. In addition, Will Ferrin was Mr. reliable again as he extends his streak of consecutive field goals made at BYU (24), and he’s only 10 away from tying an NCAA record.

Here’s a look at the reactions in BYU’s win over East Carolina:

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Big 12 Power Rankings: BYU, WVU, TTU, UH Soar — Utah, KSU Fall (Week 4)

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