- This page contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
West Virginia (2-3) at BYU (4-0)
- When: Oct 3 2025, 10:30 PM
- Where: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
- Where to watch: ESPN
- Last Meeting: West Virginia 37-7, November 4th, 2023
West Virginia vs (23) BYU Preview & Prediction
Spread: BYU -19.5
Moneyline: BYU (-1408)
Total: 46.5
BYU Cougars – Can Depth Issues Stall a Perfect Run?
BYU is walking the tightrope of injuries and wins, a dangerous game in college football. Still, the Cougars have found a way to stay undefeated heading into Friday night’s home matchup in Provo against a spiraling West Virginia squad.
The No. 23 Cougars are favored by 20 points, and for good reason. Their defense is putting on a clinic, surrendering just 9.3 points per game and clamping down on the run with a stifling 76.3 rushing yards allowed per contest. This isn’t just good, it’s borderline elite.
Offensively, BYU is a little banged up. With top backup Sione Moa sidelined indefinitely, most of the ground load now falls on LJ Martin, who’s averaging 100 yards per game. But the surprise weapon? True freshman QB Bear Bachmeier. He’s proven to be more than just a passer, he’s racked up nearly 100 yards on the ground last week and shows poise beyond his years.
His passing stats? 697 yards, 6 TDs, 0 INTs — a spotless record under center. And with his increasing rushing role, he could take over this game on both fronts.
BYU Player Prop Pick: Bear Bachmeier – Over 195.5 Passing Yards – With West Virginia’s defense getting gashed through the air, and Bachmeier’s upward trend, this number feels within reach.
West Virginia Mountaineers – Falling Fast with No QB Certainty
The Mountaineers are hobbling into Provo on a two-game beatdown streak and carrying one of the worst third-down conversion rates in the country (just 27.1% — 131st out of 134 FBS teams). This offense is lacking rhythm, identity, and most notably, a healthy quarterback.
Starter Nicco Marchiol is out with a foot injury, and it’s unclear whether Jaylen Henderson or Khalil Wilkins gets the nod. Neither has solidified the job. While Wilkins sparked a couple of scoring drives late against Utah, consistency remains a serious issue.
On the flip side, West Virginia’s defense hasn’t been able to keep up either, giving up 48 points last week and showing cracks in both run and pass coverage.
Unless they dramatically improve in situational football and red zone defense, keeping this game within 20 will be a tall order, especially at altitude and on a short week.
West Virginia Player Prop Pick: Devin Carter – Over 3.5 Receptions – Whoever starts at QB will need a safety valve, and Carter remains their most reliable target to move the chains.
Prediction & Betting Angle
BYU may be thin in the backfield, but the combo of an ascending freshman QB, stout defense, and home-field edge at altitude is a lethal mix. West Virginia has been flatlining offensively, and with more uncertainty at quarterback, this feels like a game where BYU pulls away late. West Virginia’s offensive struggles plus BYU’s defensive dominance point toward a lower-scoring grind.
Final Score: BYU 34, West Virginia 10
Lean: BYU -19.5
Total: Under 46.5
- NCAA Football Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
- Get real-time live scores & latest betting odds here!
