BYU walked away with a convincing 27-3 victory over Stanford on Saturday night, but head coach Kalani Sitake’s post-game press conference revealed troubling concerns lurking beneath the win. While the scoreboard showed dominance, Sitake’s blunt assessment of his offensive line’s struggles and the severity of JoJo Phillips’ injury painted a picture of a team facing significant challenges as they head deeper into Big 12 competition.
How Serious Are BYU’s Quarterback Protection Issues?
The most alarming news came when Sitake addressed his offensive line’s struggles protecting freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier. ESPN reporter Ben Criddle captured the coach’s blunt assessment on social media.
“We need to go watch the film, we don’t like the quarterback getting hit,” Sitake said during his post-game press conference.
Kalani Sitake on the offensive line play:
“We need to go watch the film, we don’t like the quarterback getting hit.”
— Ben Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 7, 2025
The protection issues were evident throughout the game, with Stanford consistently finding ways to pressure the 19-year-old quarterback. Untouched blitzers repeatedly reached Bachmeier in the pocket, disrupting the Cougars’ offensive rhythm.
“It was tough sledding against this Stanford defense,” Sitake explained. “They gave us a lot of different looks and blitz packages… They hit Bear too much for me to like”.
Despite the constant pressure, Bachmeier managed to complete 17 of 27 passes for 175 yards and ran for a touchdown. However, the protection breakdowns limited BYU’s offensive effectiveness and raised serious questions about the freshman’s safety moving forward.
What’s the Timeline for JoJo Phillips’ Recovery?
Adding to the offensive concerns, Sitake provided troubling news about JoJo Phillips’ injury status. The coach’s comments suggested the receiver faces an extended absence.
“I think you guys saw him on the sideline. He had the sling. And so we’re going to evaluate a little bit more. I mean, it looks like there’s going to be some time, but not sure exactly the details of it,” Sitake said when asked about Phillips’ injury severity.
Kalani Sitake post game:
Q: Any update on the severity of JoJo’s injury?
A: I think you guys saw him on the sideline. He had the sling. And so we’re going to evaluate a little bit more. I mean, it looks like there’s going to be some time, but not sure exactly the details of it.
— Ben Criddle (@CriddleBenjamin) September 7, 2025
Phillips injured his right arm during the second quarter and never returned to action. He spent the remainder of the game on the sideline wearing a sling, a visible reminder of BYU’s mounting injury concerns.
Before his injury, Phillips had been productive with three catches for 30 yards, leading the Cougars’ receiving corps in the early going. His absence will force other receivers to step up in what’s already a challenging offensive situation.
While offensive struggles dominated the post-game narrative, BYU’s defense delivered another dominant performance. The Cougars held Stanford to just 161 total yards and forced three turnovers, showcasing the unit’s ability to control games.
The defensive dominance was particularly evident against Stanford’s rushing attack. The Cardinal managed just minus-18 rushing yards in the first half and finished with only 19 rushing yards for the entire game.
On the other side of the ball, running back LJ Martin provided a bright spot with 110 yards on 18 carries. “He gets stronger as the game goes on,” Sitake said about Martin’s performance.
However, the offensive struggles extended beyond protection issues. BYU stalled in the red zone four times and had to settle for field goals, leaving points on the field against a Stanford team they dominated statistically.
The combination of offensive line problems and Phillips’ injury creates significant concerns as the Cougars prepare for tougher Big 12 competition ahead. While the defense has proven it can carry the team against weaker opponents, the upcoming schedule will test whether that formula can succeed against elite competition.
