BYU football gears up for a critical matchup against Iowa State at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where two key factors—clean football and defensive resilience—will shape the Cougars’ prospects in the Big 12 race. The spotlight shines on whether BYU can minimize costly penalties and turnovers, elements that have previously hindered their offensive efficiency. Stats show the Cougars score on 70% of drives without penalties, but that plummets to just 25% when flags fly. With running back LJ Martin out for an extended stretch, the pressure mounts on Bear Bachmeier to step up and lead BYU’s offense against a physical Cyclone front in this high-stakes night game. Defensively, the Cougars must contend with Iowa State’s Aiden Flora, the Big 12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Week, who racked up five touchdowns in an explosive win over West Virginia. Flora’s ability to impact both the ground and passing game, combined with Iowa State’s varied offensive formations, tests the discipline and adaptability of BYU’s top-10-ranked rush defense. Kelly Poppinga’s defensive unit must live up to its billing—allowing just 75 rushing yards per game thus far—and disrupt ISU’s rhythm to keep the Cyclones from dictating the pace. With their home crowd returning after nearly a month away and the notorious “Vampire Cougs” late-night energy (BYU holds a 31-4 record in night games at LES), can the Cougars capitalize on their home-field advantage to force mistakes from Jalen Raynor and steal the momentum? With Notre Dame looming next on the schedule and BYU tied for the nation’s most interceptions since the start of the 2024 season, this showdown promises high drama and significant implications for the Big 12 standings. Will BYU leverage clean execution and defensive prowess to boost their contender status?
BYU football gears up for a critical matchup against Iowa State at LaVell Edwards Stadium, where two key factors—clean football and defensive resilience—will shape the Cougars’ prospects in the Big 12 race. The spotlight shines on whether BYU can minimize costly penalties and turnovers, elements that have previously hindered their offensive efficiency. Stats show the Cougars score on 70% of drives without penalties, but that plummets to just 25% when flags fly. With running back LJ Martin out for an extended stretch, the pressure mounts on Bear Bachmeier to step up and lead BYU’s offense against a physical Cyclone front in this high-stakes night game.
Defensively, the Cougars must contend with Iowa State’s Aiden Flora, the Big 12’s reigning Offensive Player of the Week, who racked up five touchdowns in an explosive win over West Virginia. Flora’s ability to impact both the ground and passing game, combined with Iowa State’s varied offensive formations, tests the discipline and adaptability of BYU’s top-10-ranked rush defense. Kelly Poppinga’s defensive unit must live up to its billing—allowing just 75 rushing yards per game thus far—and disrupt ISU’s rhythm to keep the Cyclones from dictating the pace.
With their home crowd returning after nearly a month away and the notorious “Vampire Cougs” late-night energy (BYU holds a 31-4 record in night games at LES), can the Cougars capitalize on their home-field advantage to force mistakes from Jalen Raynor and steal the momentum? With Notre Dame looming next on the schedule and BYU tied for the nation’s most interceptions since the start of the 2024 season, this showdown promises high drama and significant implications for the Big 12 standings. Will BYU leverage clean execution and defensive prowess to boost their contender status?
Support Locked On Cougars Hits:
Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms and on YouTube!
Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by clicking here!
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.
Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub
Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.
Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
KALSHI: Today's hit is sponsored by Kalshi. Download Kalshi and use code HIT to get $25 when you trade $25.18+ only. Restrictions and eligibility requirements apply. Event contract trading involves risk and may not be suitable for all investors. Kalshi products are not available in all jurisdictions. Prices, values, and available markets may differ from those mentioned. For more information see kalshi.com/regulatory.
Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. Please remember to subscribe, enable notifications, rate and review the show.
If you are interested in advertising with Locked On Cougars or the Locked On Podcast Network, please email us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.