BYU Football: LJ Martin's Future, Big 12 Championship, and Key Game Recap
BYU's LJ Martin is considering his future after a standout season, including a career-best 95 rushing yards and three touchdowns in a 41-21 victory over UCF. The game secured BYU's spot in the Big 12 Championship against Texas Tech and kept their College Football Playoff (CFP) hopes alive. Martin, who has run for over 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns this season, faces a decision whether to enter the NFL draft or return for another college season, with his future likely influenced by family, interviews, and personal goals. Head coach Kalani Sitake emphasized the importance of giving seniors a proper farewell, including Martin, who may be back or move on to the NFL. The game also featured quarterback Bear Bachmeier, who threw for 289 yards and a touchdown, helping BYU overcome a slow start and dominate in the second half. The Cougars' resilience was evident as they rallied from a 14-0 deficit, with LJ Martin scoring three touchdowns and Parker Kingston adding 181 all-purpose yards. The victory marks BYU’s first conference championship game appearance since 1998 and their first CFP consideration, with coach Sitake expressing pride in the team's resume and potential. Meanwhile, UCF, led by Tayven Jackson, ended their season with a 5-7 record, unable to qualify for a bowl game. The game highlighted BYU's offensive strength, especially their rushing attack, and their ability to come back from deficits, boosting their national playoff prospects.
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