Oct 8, 2026 · 50 min
BYU reshapes its offense after Martin injury
BYU Football Faces a Big Test Without LJ Martin
L.J. Martin’s four-to-six-week absence tests BYU’s depth, offensive design, and playoff hopes across a demanding stretch of games.
- 1BYU may replace Martin through a committee while increasing the passing burden on Bear Bachmeier.
- 2Jaron Hall and Brady Poppinga argue that depth, culture, schemes, and execution can keep BYU competitive.
- 3The Iowa State game becomes an early measure of whether BYU’s postseason path survives Martin’s absence.
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Brady Poppinga argues that BYU is built around the Cougars as a program, not any individual star, and can continue succeeding without Martin.
The brief
L.J. Martin’s four-to-six-week absence changes the stakes for BYU’s offense, its matchup with Iowa State, and a playoff outlook that leaves little room for wasted games.
The hosts debate whether BYU should replace Martin with one back or a committee, while Aaron Roderick adjusts the offense and defenses prepare for a different threat.
Former quarterback Jaron Hall urges a next-man-up approach, emphasizing BYU’s depth and cautioning against relying too heavily on designed runs by Bear Bachmeier.
Brady Poppinga makes the case that BYU’s culture, schemes, offensive line, and quarterback give the Cougars enough structure to withstand the loss of one star.
The central question is whether Bachmeier’s decisions and execution can preserve BYU’s competitiveness through Iowa State, Notre Dame, and the remaining schedule.