01 / Why this game matters
The short version
No. 8 BYU (4-0, 2-0 Big 12) hosts unranked Iowa State (3-2, 1-1). Friday tests whether BYU's stingy run defense can contain the Cyclones' big-gain running game and preserve an unbeaten conference start.
Game Day Primer / Sat, Oct 10
AWAY TEAM
Iowa State
3–2
HOME TEAM
#8 BYU
4–0
Updated Oct 7, 1:36 PM UTCReviewed season evidence
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30 SEC
02 / Know these people
Keep an eye on them
Aiden Flora / Iowa State running back
Iowa State · Running Back (RB)
He is Iowa State's big-gain threat: 594 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and 8.1 yards per carry across five games. When he gets beyond the first defender, the Cyclones can make up a lot of ground quickly.
Bear Bachmeier / BYU quarterback
BYU · Quarterback (QB)
He can finish drives with his legs as well as his arm: six passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns through four games, with only one interception. A defender following the running back can leave Bachmeier room to keep the ball.
03 / Watch for this
One thing you can actually see
Watch Iowa State running back on handoffs: is he being hit behind the line, or reaching open space? BYU has allowed only 75 rushing yards per game. If keeps breaking through, the Cougars are being tested at one of their season-long strengths.
04 / Sound smart
A natural observation
Iowa State running back has thrown only two passes this season. Both went for touchdowns. Getting him the ball doesn't necessarily mean the play stays on the ground.
3 MIN
The central storyline
Why this game matters
No. 8 BYU (4-0, 2-0 Big 12) hosts unranked Iowa State (3-2, 1-1). Friday tests whether BYU's stingy run defense can contain the Cyclones' big-gain running game and preserve an unbeaten conference start.
A read on both sides
Team identity
Iowa State
Team vibe
The Cyclones have been dangerous on the ground and uneven on the scoreboard. Their three wins brought 38, 55 and 45 points; the losses brought 13 and 17. Across five games, they average 197.4 rushing yards. Among Big 12 teams across all games, their 391.6 total yards per game ranks 15th, while their defense ranks eighth at 321.6 yards allowed and gives up 21.2 points per game. The 45-42 win over West Virginia brought plenty of offense, but also showed how much scoring it can take when the defense struggles.
BYU
Team vibe
BYU leans on its running game and gives opponents little room to score. Through four games, it averages 235.5 rushing yards at 6.1 per carry and allows 14.3 points per game. No opponent has scored more than 23 points. Among Big 12 teams across all games, BYU ranks fifth in yards allowed (268.0 per game) and 11th in total offense (415.3). That defense gives BYU a way to win when the offense struggles, as it did in the 17-10 victory at TCU.
Current storylines
What to keep in your head
- Iowa State scored just 13 points against Iowa and 17 against Utah, now No. 20 and No. 12 in the AP poll. Against No. 8 BYU, the Cyclones need more than another big rushing average: they need drives that end in points.
- BYU running back is listed out for Friday in the October 6 Big 12 availability report, according to Deseret News. The Cougars will be without their leading rusher.
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Read the distance before the throw
- Jaylen Raynor · Iowa State
Look for: The yards-to-go number when Iowa State reaches third down.
If you see it: Repeated third-and-long situations, with Iowa State quarterback needing a substantial gain through the air.
Here's what it means: The run is less of a threat, so BYU can focus on the pass. has a tougher job keeping the drive alive.
On screen
Watch the edge defender
- Bear Bachmeier · BYU
Look for: The Iowa State defender at the outside edge of the line.
If you see it: He moves sharply inside toward the running back.
Here's what it means: BYU quarterback may keep the ball and run into the space outside.
5 MIN
The central storyline
Why this game matters
No. 8 BYU (4-0, 2-0 Big 12) hosts unranked Iowa State (3-2, 1-1). Friday tests whether BYU's stingy run defense can contain the Cyclones' big-gain running game and preserve an unbeaten conference start.
A read on both sides
Team identity
Iowa State
Team vibe
The Cyclones have been dangerous on the ground and uneven on the scoreboard. Their three wins brought 38, 55 and 45 points; the losses brought 13 and 17. Across five games, they average 197.4 rushing yards. Among Big 12 teams across all games, their 391.6 total yards per game ranks 15th, while their defense ranks eighth at 321.6 yards allowed and gives up 21.2 points per game. The 45-42 win over West Virginia brought plenty of offense, but also showed how much scoring it can take when the defense struggles.
BYU
Team vibe
BYU leans on its running game and gives opponents little room to score. Through four games, it averages 235.5 rushing yards at 6.1 per carry and allows 14.3 points per game. No opponent has scored more than 23 points. Among Big 12 teams across all games, BYU ranks fifth in yards allowed (268.0 per game) and 11th in total offense (415.3). That defense gives BYU a way to win when the offense struggles, as it did in the 17-10 victory at TCU.
Current storylines
What to keep in your head
- Iowa State scored just 13 points against Iowa and 17 against Utah, now No. 20 and No. 12 in the AP poll. Against No. 8 BYU, the Cyclones need more than another big rushing average: they need drives that end in points.
- BYU running back is listed out for Friday in the October 6 Big 12 availability report, according to Deseret News. The Cougars will be without their leading rusher.
Teach Me What to Notice
On screen
Read the distance before the throw
- Jaylen Raynor · Iowa State
Look for: The yards-to-go number when Iowa State reaches third down.
If you see it: Repeated third-and-long situations, with Iowa State quarterback needing a substantial gain through the air.
Here's what it means: The run is less of a threat, so BYU can focus on the pass. has a tougher job keeping the drive alive.
On screen
Watch the edge defender
- Bear Bachmeier · BYU
Look for: The Iowa State defender at the outside edge of the line.
If you see it: He moves sharply inside toward the running back.
Here's what it means: BYU quarterback may keep the ball and run into the space outside.
Players & Coaches
Players & Coaches
Aiden Flora / Iowa State running back
Iowa State · Running Back (RB)
He is Iowa State's big-gain threat: 594 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and 8.1 yards per carry across five games. When he gets beyond the first defender, the Cyclones can make up a lot of ground quickly.
Players & Coaches
Bear Bachmeier / BYU quarterback
BYU · Quarterback (QB)
He can finish drives with his legs as well as his arm: six passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns through four games, with only one interception. A defender following the running back can leave Bachmeier room to keep the ball.
Players & Coaches
Jaylen Raynor / Iowa State quarterback
Iowa State · Quarterback (QB)
His five-game passing line is 903 yards, six touchdowns and four interceptions, with 58% of throws completed. If BYU slows the run, watch whether he can complete the throws that keep possessions alive.
Players & Coaches
LJ Martin / BYU running back
BYU · Running Back (RB)
He leads BYU with 344 rushing yards at 7.8 per carry. He is listed out for Friday, leaving BYU without that production.
The Stakes
BYU has an unbeaten season to protect. Iowa State has a chance to change the story of its uneven start.
Why it matters
Protect an unbeaten season at home
A home win would keep No. 8 BYU unbeaten overall and in the Big 12. A loss would let Iowa State draw level with the Cougars in conference play.
Why it matters
Win a ranked matchup on the road
Winning on the road against an unbeaten, top-10 team would give Iowa State a result to build on after losses to Iowa and Utah. It would also move the Cyclones above .500 in Big 12 play.
History & Context
History & Context
A new chapter in a short series
BYU finally beat Iowa State last October, winning 41-27 in Ames. Friday is Iowa State's chance to return the favor in Provo.
History & Context
Find the ROC
If the broadcast shows the southeast corner of the stadium, that's where BYU's ROC student section gathers. Before kickoff, Cougar Canyon is the fan gathering area for food, games and live music.
Conversation Starters
Conversation Starters
Conversation starter 1
joined Iowa State as a walk-on and redshirted in 2024. Now he's the runner BYU has to account for first.
Conversation Starters
Conversation starter 2
Both quarterbacks can run. It's easy to focus on , but Iowa State's already has three rushing touchdowns this season.
Conversation Starters
Conversation starter 3
BYU didn't throw a pass on that late touchdown drive at TCU. Nearly six minutes of running it—that's a long time to be stuck on defense.