The number 11 BYU Cougars (7-0) head to Ames, Iowa to take on a solid Iowa State (5-2) team in an important Big 12 showdown. The Cyclones began the season 5-0 and were ranked as high as No. 14 before dropping their last two conference games, both road contests against Cincinnati and Colorado.
The Cyclones are angry, well rested, and well prepared
Just a couple of weeks ago, when the Cyclones were 5-0, they held legitimate aspirations of winning the Big 12 and making their way to the College Football Playoffs. But after two consecutive losses, there's a storm brewing in Ames. Iowa State is going to have to essentially run the table from here to make their way to the Big 12 championship game.
But Iowa State isn't just angry and motivated, they're also well rested.
The Cyclones last played on October 11th and enjoyed a bye last week leading up to their massive games against the Cougars this week. The rest is helpful, but so is the additional time for an excellent Iowa State coaching staff led by coach Matt Campbell to prepare to take on Kalani Sitake, Jay Hill, Aaron Roderick, and the entire BYU football team.
While Iowa State has been resting up, BYU is coming off the emotional and physical toll of their Holy War victory against rival Utah. Coach Kalani Sitake has been intentional with this team to remind them that last year, after beating Utah, they faltered and lost their next two games. He has challenged them not to do the same this year.
It will be interesting to see how much of an advantage Iowa State will get, if any, by coming off a bye while BYU comes off their biggest game of the year.
Can Iowa State's defense stop BYU's offense?
In Iowa State's first loss of the season to a very good Cincinnati team, the Cyclones defense was gashed by the Bearcats running attack. On the day Cincinnati rushed for 260 yards against an Iowa State defense that was riddled by injuries and had 16 players out for that game. BYU's stud running back LJ Martin could be in for a big day if the Cyclones defense has a similar outing against the Cougars.
In Iowa State's last game, a loss to 24-17 loss at Colorado, the Cyclones defense allowed Buffaloes quarterback Kaidon Salter to control the game, both passing and running. Salter completed 16-of-25 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns. The athletic quarterback also ran nine times for 57 yards. BYU freshman quarterback Bear Bachmeier could have a similarly effective dual-threat game in this one.
The Rocco Becht effect
Iowa State's redshirt junior quarterback Rocco Becht is one of the most accomplished signal callers in all of college football. In 37 career games with the Cyclones, he has thrown for over 8,300 yards with 57 touchdowns. While he's primarily a pocket passer, he can find the end zone with his legs when needed. He has 18 career rushing TDs, including seven this year.
Much of BYU's success in this matchup will be determined by their ability to generate pressure on Becht and make him uncomfortable in the pocket. While some of BYU's younger defensive ends like Hunter Clegg and Tausili Akana played well against Utah last week, the Cougars need veterans Logan Lutui and Bode Schoonover to record their first sacks on the season.
Overall, this game is poised to have a massive impact on the Big 12 title game and potentially the College Football Playoffs. A win by Iowa State keeps them in contention for the conference championship game. A victory by BYU would provide the Cougars with a signature road victory and bolster their CFP resume.
Time will tell of a BYU team coming off the high of the Holy War can take down an angry, well-rested Iowa State squad.