No. 8 BYU faces Iowa State with more than an undefeated record on the line

LJ Martin,byu football,iowa state,kalani sitake,Bear Bachmeier,Featured - Sports

Nate Church

October 08, 09:54 AM October 08, 09:54 AM

No. 8 BYU is facing a big test against Iowa State as the Cougars return home for the first time in almost a month.

While the Cougars (4-0) have historically struggled against the Cyclones, BYU has a 1-5 record all-time, with the first win coming in 2025. And it isn't just the historical disadvantage that could plague BYU on Friday (8:15 p.m., ESPN).

Star running back LJ Martin is listed as "out on this weeks injury report and will not play against Iowa State. Martin went down with a lower leg/ankle injury last week against TCU. Unlike weeks past, BYU struggled to establish its passing attack, a point of concern for how the Cougars will perform this week.

BYU has also been without its second-string running back Sione Moa and is relying on third- and fourth-string running backs Preston Rex and Journee Tonga. Linebacker Isaiah Glasker was listed as out on the injury report as well, a significant hit to the defense.

So with injuries running rampant in BYUs ranks and the offense experiencing some passing struggles, what does BYU need to do to walk away with a win over Iowa State?

The most obvious answer to this question is to establish a passing attack. To start the season, BYUs brand new receiver room was under question, however, after a few successful outings and the breakout performances of Legend Glasker, those questions have largely been put to bed.

Even in last weeks close win, the receivers didnt take much of the blame for the 62 total passing yards, the second-lowest amount in a win in the modern era of program history. And sure, the weather wasnt great, but TCUs Jaden Craig had almost 200 yards passing and a passing touchdown.

During the grueling fight against TCU, BYUs offense lookedoff. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier couldnt seem to complete a pass. He went 11-of-24 with zero passing touchdowns. The play-calling was different too, especially after Martin went down, with BYU focusing on screen plays and attacking the flats.

This season, BYU has shown that it isnt afraid to throw the ball downfield. Bachmeier has three passes of more than 50 yards in three out of four games. BYU has been explosive, utilizing the speed of Glasker to take a shot downfield and, more often than not, the ball is caught, and usually in incredible fashion.

Fans may not be sure what happened last week in Fort Worth, but one thing is for certain, Bachmeier and the boys cannot afford to have another game like that, especially with the No. 3 team in the country, Notre Dame, coming to town next week.

However, it's not all doom and gloom for the Cougars. The hopes that BYU has had this season to make the College Football Playoff and get another chance at the conference title game are still very much alive.

Every game isnt like Mary Poppins, perfect in every way, said Bachmeier after practice on Tuesday. Im just proud of the team and how we bounced back.

The team certainly did bounce back, mostly through the efforts of Bachmeier on the ground. That is going to have to continue this week against Iowa State.

In the Cyclones last matchup, a 45-42 win over West Virginia, the defense struggled to contain the quarterback. West Virginia quarterback Michael Hawkins Jr. rushed for 149 yards on 20 carries, seven more yards than his own running back. The Iowa State defensive front just couldnt seem to contain him.

Bachmeier was forced to run more last week and will likely do so again this week. Tonga, one of BYUs up-and-coming running backs, played well last week too. Tonga had seven carries for 28 yards, and really turned things up a notch in the fourth quarter. However, the Cougars are going to need a breakout game from the freshman if they hope to best the Cyclones. Bachmeier is a strong runner, but he cant always do it by himself.

To be clear, BYU doesnt need to have a perfect night through the air and on the ground. That's a tall order with the injuries the team has sustained. However, Bachmeier has plans to revive both the passing attack and run game.

We want to sling the pill around and be physical in the run game, Bachmeier said. Were hard-nosed and going to run the ball and were going to take shots and be dynamic in the run game and the pass game.

Bachmeier also mentioned that his confidence level in his running backs has not changed and that he feels good about where the room is at.

The offense clearly has the biggest questions to answer, but the defense isnt going to get off scot-free either.

Isaiah Glasker is out. Thats a big deal for the linebacker corps. Fortunately, backup Jake Clifton played well against TCU, racking up six tackles, a sack and a tackle for loss. Veteran linebacker Siale Esera is also likely to see some playing time after being injured for the last couple of weeks.

This group in particular is going to need to be at its best this week. Iowa States biggest weapon is its dynamic, fast and talented running back, Aiden Flora. Against West Virginia, Flora had 212 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

Hes a baller, said safety Tommy Prassas.

On the season, Iowa States offense has struggled with being one-dimensional. The lack of a strong West Virginia defense is mostly to blame for last weeks shootout. The Cyclones like to run the ball, and thats about it.

They make a lot of plays in the run game, Prassas said. They do a lot of different things with their offense and I think they just have a bunch of playmakers on their team ... We just got to do our job and go make plays.

The good news for BYU and the bad news for Iowa State is BYUs run defense is one of the best in the country. BYU is yet to allow more than 100 yards rushing, making them the 12th-best team in the country in opponent rushing yards per game, averaging 83.7.

The Cougars are also good at limiting the amount of times an opponent will attempt to run the ball, holding teams to 28.3 rushing attempts per game. That makes them the ninth-best defense in the nation in that category.

Fridays matchup, on the defensive side at least, is going to be a battle of wills. Iowa States run game may be the strongest BYU has faced so far this season and will be a major test for how legitimate Kelly Poppingas run defense is. If BYU can win in the trenches and continue to have its linebackers step up to the challenge, Iowa States offense will be severely limited.

A win on Friday will not only help the Cougars stay undefeated, it will help them get re-situated and restore some confidence before Notre Dame comes to town.

After a tough week on the road, BYU is returning home with something to prove. Iowa State coming to Provo is likely the perfect proving ground for the Cougars to show the world whether they can bounce back from adversity.

BYU's LJ Martin, Isaiah Glasker 'doubtful' for Iowa State game

byu football,big 12 conference,LJ Martin,kalani sitake,iowa state,Featured - Sports

Nate Church

October 05, 02:40 PM October 05, 02:42 PM

Star running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker will likely be listed as doubtful for BYUs upcoming game against Iowa State on Friday night.

Kalani Sitake told the media on Monday that both players probably wont see the field but are still being evaluated. Martin and Glasker were both injured in BYUs rough-and-tumble 17-10 win over TCU Saturday.

Martin was injured during the first quarter and was later seen on the sidelines doing light drills and putting weight on his injured ankle after coming out of the medical tent. But after further evaluation at the half, he returned to the sidelines in street clothes.

Glasker was injured while aiding his teammate Faletau Satuala to return an interception for 59 yards. After taking a hit to his hip, Glasker was seen on the sideline during the first half without a helmet on. After evaluation at the half, he too did not return to the game.

Another defensive and special teams star, Cannon DeVries, went down with an injury during the game and did not return. However, Sitake did say that DeVries would likely see the field on Friday night.

While Iowa State may not be a top contender in the country, the injuries combined with a short week for the Cougars may be cause for trepidation. BYU is not without talent on offense and defense, as showcased in its win over TCU. However, taking away any impactful players can cause hiccups for any team.

This week and Friday nights game will likely become a major proving ground for BYU. Can the Cougars adjust and rely on their depth or could the outlook be grimmer?

BYU and its fans will find out on Friday night.