Scalley Admits Wrong on BYU's Bachmeier
Utah's head coach said he underestimated BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier ahead of Saturday's rivalry game.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Football
Utah head coach Morgan Scalley said he was wrong about BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier, praising his accuracy, decision-making and dual-threat ability at a Monday press conference. The comments came ahead of Saturday's rivalry game against No. 7 BYU in Salt Lake City.
Why it matters
Scalley's reassessment highlights how quickly a quarterback's development can change a rivalry's matchup calculus for Utah fans and bettors. Bachmeier's passing and running production this season makes him a central figure in the game.
Bachmeier has thrown for 1,750 yards and 12 touchdowns with four interceptions this season. His 22-yard touchdown run in the 2025 meeting came late in the game.
The players
Morgan Scalley
Utah's head football coach, who publicly revised his assessment of BYU's quarterback before the rivalry game.
Bear Bachmeier
BYU's starting quarterback, whose passing accuracy and dual-threat play are drawing praise ahead of the matchup.
Kalani Sitake
BYU's head football coach, who said Utah quarterback Devon Dampier is underappreciated.
The details
Scalley said Bachmeier has grown into a more refined playmaker in his second season, developing a deep-ball rapport with freshman wideout Legend Glaskar. Scalley had initially viewed him as a running back playing quarterback.
Timeline
2025: Bachmeier scores a late 22-yard touchdown run in BYU's win over Utah.
Monday, November 2, 2026: Scalley speaks at a press conference admitting he was wrong.
Saturday, November 7, 2026: Utah hosts No. 7 BYU at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City.
Season Trajectory
The rivalry game carries weight for both teams' standings as BYU enters ranked No. 7. Bachmeier's second-year growth reflects a broader quarterback development path that shapes how the Big 12 race is viewed this fall.
Fantasy managers tracking Bachmeier should note his 1,750 passing yards and 12 touchdowns this season as he faces a Utah defense that has been warned about his dual-threat ability. Utah's defensive game plan will need to account for his deep-ball connection with Legend Glaskar.
The takeaway
A quarterback's development can shift a rivalry's dynamics in a single season, so early assumptions about a player are worth revisiting before a game like this. Readers following the matchup should track how each defense adjusts to the passing and running threats involved.
What happens next
Utah hosts No. 7 BYU at Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
Further reading
For more on the rivalry's lineup and season context, see Football coverage across Utah.
