BYU vs. Iowa State: Scouting Report & Analysis

Game Overview

Game Location: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Game Time/Channel: 12:30 pm PT / 3:30 pm ET (FOX)
Spread: -2.5 (Iowa State)

The matchup between BYU and Iowa State is one of the most intriguing in college football this season. Historically, Iowa State has dominated this rivalry, holding a 5-0 record against BYU. The last meeting occurred in 2023, when the Cyclones delivered a crushing 45-13 victory over the Cougars. This loss was particularly painful for BYU, as it came during a difficult period in their season.

Historical Context

BYU has never managed to beat Iowa State, making this the longest-standing rivalry without a win for the Cougars. The teams have only faced each other once since 1974, which was in 2023. During that game, Iowa State showcased their physical dominance, rushing for 237 yards and four touchdowns while forcing three turnovers from BYU. If head coach Kalani Sitake were to take notes, he would likely watch that game on repeat to prepare for this upcoming clash.

Iowa State's 2025 Season So Far

Under the leadership of head coach Matt Campbell in his 10th season, Iowa State started the 2025 season with a bang. They opened the season by defeating Kansas State in Ireland with a score of 24-21. The team maintained an impressive 5-0 start, including wins over arch-rival Iowa and their first Big 12 game against Arizona. However, they have since experienced a slump, losing two consecutive games to Cincinnati and Colorado. These losses have caused them to drop out of the Top 25 rankings after being as high as No. 14.

This recent performance suggests that Iowa State is a team in need of a strong response, and they will be coming into this game with a mix of frustration and determination.

Iowa State’s Offense

One of the key threats for Iowa State is quarterback Rocco Becht. Unlike Utah's Devon Dampier, Becht possesses a powerful deep ball that can challenge any defense. He ranks fourth in the Big 12 for passing efficiency on throws over 20 yards downfield. His ability to stretch the field makes him a significant threat for BYU's secondary.

However, Becht struggles against the blitz. He ranks 14th in the Big 12 in adjusted completion rate against blitz packages and 13th in overall Pro Football Focus grades when under pressure. This is an area where BYU's defensive coordinator, Jay Hill, could exploit. With players like Jack Kelly, Isaiah Glasker, and slot cornerback Tayvion Beasley, who has already blitzed 14 times this season, BYU has the tools to disrupt Becht's rhythm.

Iowa State also has a strong running game, ranking 30th in the nation in rushing touchdowns. Their running backs, Abu Sama III and Carson Hansen, are tough to bring down, making it essential for BYU's linebackers to stay disciplined and make tackles.

BYU’s Offense

BYU's offense is led by running back LJ Martin, who is currently ranked first in the Big 12 with 773 rushing yards. This gives BYU a distinct advantage, especially against a defense that allows 88th-ranked yards per carry. If BYU can exploit this weakness, they could control the tempo of the game.

Chase Roberts, one of the top receivers in the conference, is another key player. His 19.3-yard average per reception makes him a dangerous target for BYU's passing game. Additionally, Iowa State has struggled to stop big plays, allowing 11 passes of at least 30 yards, which ranks 93rd in the FBS.

Iowa State also ranks 122nd in sacks per game, which means BYU's offensive line has a chance to dominate the game if they play consistently.

How BYU Can Win

For BYU to come out on top, their defense must perform well against Iowa State's passing attack. Becht's deep ball is a major threat, and the secondary will need to be sharp to contain him. On the offensive side, BYU must avoid the mistakes that plagued them in previous games. A clean performance, similar to what they showed against Utah, will be crucial.

Another challenge for BYU is the hostile environment in Ames. The crowd will be loud, and the team must remain focused despite the distractions. The desire for redemption after the 2023 loss could be a motivating factor for the Cougars.

Final Prediction

With the right approach from both sides, this game could be a close contest. However, BYU's offensive line and running game give them a solid foundation. If they can execute their game plan effectively, they have a good chance to come away with a win.

Prediction: BYU 23, Iowa State 20