Mon Sep 22 08:50:00 UTC 2025: ## BYU Dominates East Carolina Behind Johnson’s Defensive Heroics

**GREENVILLE, N.C. -** BYU linebacker Evan Johnson had a night to remember Saturday, leading the Cougars to a decisive 34-13 victory over the East Carolina Pirates with a crucial goal-line interception and a subsequent pick-six. Johnson’s defensive plays highlighted a dominant performance by BYU (3-0), who have only allowed a single touchdown this season.

The Cougars’ defense repeatedly stifled the Pirates (2-2), denying them entry into the end zone twice on drives that reached BYU’s 10-yard line. Johnson’s interception in the second quarter prevented a potential East Carolina touchdown, while the defense held ECU to a field goal in the third after BYU had built a 20-3 lead.

“At the beginning, I thought defensively we took them out of their rhythm, out of their fast pace,” said BYU coach Kalani Sitake.

Freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier also shined in his first road game, throwing for a 20-yard touchdown to Carsen Ryan and adding a 16-yard rushing touchdown. LJ Martin sealed the win with a 41-yard touchdown run late in the fourth quarter.

East Carolina struggled with penalties, racking up seven false starts, and turnovers. “We’ve got to clean up some mistakes,” ECU coach Blake Harrell said. “We’ve got to clean up the penalties. And that’s us. That’s all of us together doing those things.”

Johnson’s interception return for a touchdown stood out as a momentum-shifting play. Following a muffed punt return by ECU that placed them on their own 1-yard line, Johnson anticipated the pass, intercepted the ball, and sprinted into the end zone. “It was just something we saw on film the whole week,” Johnson explained. “The quarterback gave me the three-step (drop), and that was my opportunity to just time it and just know I’ve got to go make a play and get the ball.”

BYU, currently the top vote-getter among unranked teams in the AP Top 25 poll, remains undefeated. The Cougars will open Big 12 play on Sept. 27 with a visit to Colorado.

East Carolina will look to rebound quickly as they host Army on Thursday to open their American Conference schedule.

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