No. 8 BYU puts its undefeated record on the line Friday night when the Cougars welcome Iowa State to LaVell Edwards Stadium for a Big 12 showdown in Provo.
BYU improved to 4-0 overall and 2-0 in Big 12 play with a gritty 17-10 road win over TCU last week, but the Cougars came out of Fort Worth dealing with some significant injury questions. Iowa State, meanwhile, bounced back from its loss to Utah by surviving West Virginia 45-42 behind a monster performance from Aiden Flora.
Now the Cyclones get an opportunity to hand BYU its first loss of the season, while the Cougars can strengthen their position near the top of the Big 12 standings before turning their attention to a massive nonconference matchup against Notre Dame.
Here’s everything you need to know about Iowa State vs. BYU, including the latest odds, our biggest question and our prediction and pick for Friday night’s Week 6 matchup.
BYU vs. Iowa State Odds
- Spread: BYU 10.5
- Over/Under: 46.5
- Moneyline: BYU -430/Iowa State +330
Odds as of Tuesday afternoon. Odds are subject to change.
The Biggest Question: Which Running Game Steps Up?
Iowa State is coming off a historic offensive game, racking up 577 total yards, the most in a game for the Cyclones since 2016. Now, they go from taking on the worst defense in the Big 12 (West Virginia) to one of the best in BYU, which is ranked No. 2 in the league against the run, and No. 4 in scoring defense. On the other side, Iowa State’s defense has already had to deal with top rushing teams like Iowa, Utah and West Virginia, so their No. 13 ranking on rushing defense is more indicative, this early in the season, of their opponents, not their talent. But still, now they have to figure out how to stop Bear Bachmeier on the ground at home, and possibly LJ Martin, whose status is up in the air after suffering an ankle injury last week. That won’t be easy.
BYU vs. Iowa State State Prediction and Pick
Prediction: BYU 27, Iowa State 13
I know Iowa State is coming off that great home win vs. West Virginia last week, but that’s also part of the reason I am picking BYU here. Ames was absolutely electric last Saturday. Now, we’re talking about a first-year head coach going on the road into Provo on a Friday night for a late kick off in Provo of all places? That’s brutal. I like this Iowa State team, and I like its future under Jimmy Rogers, but there’s nothing about this spot I like for the Cyclones.
When looking at some advanced data, BYU ranks No. 17 in the country in Net Yards Per Play (offense vs. defense, only vs. FBS opponents), while Iowa State is outside the Top 60. This Cougars team has been wildly efficient on both sides of the ball. And while Iowa State has handled solid Big 12 competition so far, it’s been at home.
BYU likely being without LJ Martin definitely hurts, but this defense will lock this game down with the home crowd, and it will turn into a long night for Jaylen Raynor and the Cyclones. Iowa State can keep this one close, but it’ll be the Cougars wearing down the Cyclones as the game progresses and pulling away for a win and a cover in the second half.
BYU wins. BYU covers.
