Utah Tech Trailblazers vs BYU Cougars Picks and Prediction for Saturday, September 5, 2026

By: David Anicetti Published 08/30/2026, 11:07 PM ET

The Utah Tech Trailblazers visit the No. 14 BYU Cougars on Saturday at 8:00 p.m. ET at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo, on ESPN+. Utah Tech is 0-1 overall and 0-1 in Big Sky play after a 54-0 loss to Montana State. BYU opens 2026 after finishing 12-2 overall in 2025, with its conference record not listed in the supplied material. The Cougars closed last season with a 25-21 win over Georgia Tech after losing the Big 12 Championship to Texas Tech. BYU is a 47.5-point favorite, and the total is 54.5 points. Be a big winner with our free NCAAF picks.

Utah Tech Trailblazers Preview

Utah Tech had major problems moving the ball against Montana State. CJ Tiller and Bronson Barben combined to complete 19 of 33 passes for 169 yards, with Barben throwing two interceptions. The Trailblazers managed only 58 rushing yards on 26 carries and averaged 2.2 yards per attempt. Ace Chatman led the backs with 20 yards, while Mike Williams had four catches for 42 yards.

The defense allowed 447 total yards and five offensive touchdowns. Montana State threw for 307 yards while adding 140 on the ground. Utah Tech recorded two sacks, but the defense did not force a turnover. Quincy Lejay led the Trailblazers with 11 tackles. Facing BYU after allowing 54 points to an FCS opponent creates an even tougher matchup for the Utah Tech defense.

BYU Cougars Preview

BYU returns quarterback Bear Bachmeier after he produced more than 3,000 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns, over 500 rushing yards and 11 rushing scores as a freshman. LJ Martin also returns after rushing for more than 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns. Three offensive line starters are back, while Paki Finau arrives from Washington. The main question is receiver after the departures of Parker Kingston and Chase Roberts.

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The Cougars allowed only 19 points per game last season and held opponents to a 33% third-down conversion rate. Isaiah Glasker returns after making 67 tackles, while Cal transfer Cade Uluave joins the linebacker group after recording 100 tackles in 2025. BYU also allowed opponents to score on only 70% of their red-zone trips, giving the Cougars another clear advantage against an offense that failed to score last week.

Utah Tech Trailblazers vs BYU Cougars Prediction

Utah Tech's opening performance makes this a difficult matchup even with a 47.5-point spread. The Trailblazers produced only 227 total yards and turned the ball over twice against Montana State. BYU has the rushing attack to control the game immediately, and Bachmeier gives the Cougars another scoring threat on the ground. BYU's defense also has the personnel to keep Utah Tech from producing enough points to threaten the spread. Final Score Prediction: BYU Cougars win and cover ATS, 55-3.