MUST-WIN: BYU Football’s Playoff Hopes HINGE on Bear Bachmeier’s PERFORMANCE Versus Dangerous Baylor

BYU football braces for a pivotal battle against the Baylor Bears, with both teams’ Big 12 Conference championship and College Football Playoff dreams hanging in the balance. Sitting at No. 10 in the latest CFP rankings, BYU faces immense pressure to run the table, while Baylor enters LaVell Edwards Stadium riding an interim coach boost and a dangerous, nothing-to-lose mentality. The discussion explored how Bear Bachmeier is seeking a bounce-back game after a four-interception performance against Utah, and whether dynamic Baylor quarterback DJ Lagway’s recent surge—highlighted by 120 rush yards against Iowa State—will tilt the matchup in favor of the Bears. One concept discussed was the shift in confidence among the Baylor roster since Joe Klanderman’s promotion, emphasizing aggressive defense and a more relaxed, focused approach. A key theme that emerged was the significance of defensive play and limiting costly mistakes in this high-stakes November clash. The conversation focused on BYU’s recent struggles with critical turnovers and penalties, including 11 flags and a minus-2 turnover margin in their last outing. Several points were raised, including BYU’s subpar missed tackle rate—ranking 136th out of 138 FBS teams—and the BYU Cougars’ three consecutive games with crucial late first-half interceptions from Bachmeier. The matchup pits two of the Big 12’s stingiest run defenses against one another, making ball security and field position even more important, especially with a sloppy weather forecast potentially looming over Provo. The discussion explored whether BYU’s offensive weapons, including a not-fully-healthy LJ Martin, can ignite behind Bachmeier, or if Baylor’s propensity for creating havoc at the line of scrimmage will lead to another upset. Both teams have shown vulnerability—Baylor’s ground game has struggled behind an inconsistent offensive line, while BYU’s defense has allowed late conversions and failed to consistently generate takeaways. The conversation weighed predictions, with expectations of a hard-fought, low-scoring contest potentially decided by discipline and turnovers. Will Kalani Sitake’s squad answer the bell on home turf, or can Klanderman’s Bears continue their fearless run and upend the playoff hopes of BYU? This episode breaks down the keys, X-factors, and stakes as BYU and Baylor collide in a season-defining Big 12 duel. If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by going to LockedOnCougars.SuperCast.com Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCougars?sid=YouTube Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI: For a limited time, Download Kalshi and use code Locked On to get $25 when you trade $25. Kalshi. Trade what’s next Gametime: Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. You can get in contact by emailing us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.