BYU's LJ Martin goes off to keep Cougars alive in Playoff hunt

Jeff Hauser

BYU's LJ Martin goes off to keep Cougars alive in Playoff hunt image

LJ Martin ran for a career-high 222 yards and scored two touchdowns to lead No. 11 BYU past Cincinnati 26-14 on Saturday night. The win keeps the Cougars in the Big 12 title race.

Martin’s performance marked the eighth-most rushing yards in program history and the first 200-yard game by a BYU running back since Tyler Allgeier’s 266-yard outing against Virginia in 2021.

“I was really proud of LJ and the entire offense,” coach Kalani Sitake said. “We were able to possess the ball and get first downs. That’s our style.”

Martin credited the offensive line for opening lanes throughout the night. “They did a great job pushing up front, getting wide open creases,” he said. “They made it super easy.”

BYU (10-1, 7-1 Big 12) limited Cincinnati to just 87 rushing yards, well below the Bearcats’ 194-yard average.

The Cougars missed a chance to clinch a Big 12 Championship Game berth after Arizona State’s win over Colorado delayed the celebration.

Sitake's team host UCF in the season finale with a lot yet to be decided. 

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Contributing Writer