Iowa State Cyclones vs BYU Cougars Predictions

Prediction

BYU’s defense is the strongest reason to back the Cougars at home. KSL Sports reports that BYU ranks ninth nationally against the run at 75 yards allowed per game. The Cougars have allowed 14.3 points per game, compared with 21.2 for Iowa State, and should win Friday night.

The 10.5-point spread demands more than a BYU victory. The Deseret News reports that running back LJ Martin will miss at least a month. That absence makes a double-digit margin less appealing, even though BYU’s replacement backs have produced efficiently. Journee Tonga has averaged 8.3 yards per carry, while Preston Rex has scored twice on 18 attempts.

Can Iowa State stay close?

Iowa State gained 577 yards in last week’s 45-42 win over West Virginia and averages 33.6 points per game. That production gives the Cyclones a path to cover if they avoid falling behind early.

The risk is Iowa State’s tackling. The Cyclones missed 27 tackles against West Virginia and 24 against Utah, according to KSL Sports, and their 76 missed tackles are the most in the Big 12. BYU can exploit those mistakes even without Martin, so the underdog lean carries low confidence.

Betting outlook

BYU’s -410 moneyline offers little return, while the Cougars must win by 11 to cover the spread. Iowa State +10.5 is the better price, but the Cyclones’ defensive problems keep it from being a strong play.