BYU hosts Iowa State in Friday night showdown

No. 8 Brigham Young University (BYU) will meet Iowa State on Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo. The game, part of the Big 12 conference schedule, begins at 8:15 p.m. Mountain time and will be televised on ESPN, with a livestream available on the network's platform and radio coverage on KSL and BYU Radio.

BYU enters the contest with a 4-0 record, averaging 37.3 points while allowing 14.3 points per game, and a turnover margin of +5. The Cougars have won 35 of 39 night games since 2019, including a strong record in late kickoffs at home. Iowa State, at 3-2, scores 33.6 points per game and concedes 21.2, with an even turnover margin. The Cyclones recently defeated West Virginia 45-42.

Analysts note that BYU's passing game struggled in its previous outing, with quarterback Bear Bachmeier throwing for only 62 yards. The team also faces the loss of leading running back LJ Martin for at least a month, shifting the rushing load to backs Preston Rex and Journee Tonga. Tonga has averaged 8.3 yards per carry this season, while Rex has contributed 94 yards and two touchdowns.

Iowa State's defense has allowed the most missed tackles in the conference, a potential advantage for BYU's backup runners. The matchup also features a contest between BYU's revitalized pass rush, which recorded seven sacks against recent opponents, and Iowa State's offensive line, which has yielded only three sacks in conference play.

"Short week, which means that we have to speed up the preparation, but we’ve been here before. We’ve had this every year," BYU head coach Kalani Sitake said.

"Jimmy Rogers is a really good coach, and you can see the team rallying around the coaching staff’s teaching. Fundamentally, they’re really sound in how they coach the game in all three phases," Sitake added.

"I think Kalani does an unbelievable job. He’s just a great person, and you can see his players play for him," Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers said.

"We’ve got to get ready to play our best football in a short week, just as they do. Anything can happen," Rogers added.

The game follows BYU's upcoming clash with Notre Dame on Oct. 17 and precedes Iowa State's road game at Arizona on Oct. 24.