BYU’s defense held Iowa State to just 200 total yards in a 24-10 win on Friday at LaVell Edwards Stadium, even without star linebacker Isaiah Glasker and running back LJ Martin. The Cougars never trailed despite offensive miscues and built enough of a lead to secure their unbeaten record heading into a clash with No. 2 Notre Dame.
The absence of Glasker, an all-conference linebacker, left questions about BYU’s defensive depth. Those doubts were quieted early as safety Faletau Satuala disrupted a pass from Iowa State quarterback Jaylen Raynor, and cornerback Jayven Williams knocked away a key reception from running back Cameron Pettaway. BYU’s defense repeatedly pressured Raynor, forcing the Cyclones into mistakes and limiting their chances in the red zone.
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier moved confidently through the pocket for BYU, connecting on passes to tight end Walker Lyons and wide receiver Legend Glasker. Lyons had a notable juggling catch that extended a drive, and Kyler Kasper scored a touchdown, helping the offense inch ahead despite some setbacks. The Cougars’ offensive line, led by Bruce Mitchell, provided solid protection, though occasional penalties and dropped passes kept Iowa State within reach.
Special teams contributed to the defensive effort as well. A critical fourth-down stop energized the crowd, and BYU’s players swarmed to block an Iowa State field-goal attempt that ultimately missed. These moments prevented Iowa State from closing the gap and demonstrated BYU’s collective focus even when some offensive opportunities stalled.
Coach Kalani Sitake emphasized the importance of the defensive stand. “Our guys stepped up when it counted,” Sitake said after the game. “We knew it wouldn’t be easy without some of our starters, but the defense made plays when they had to.”
Iowa State’s offense struggled to find rhythm. Their quarterback looked for options under pressure, but BYU’s cornerbacks, including Therrian Alexander and Tommy Prassas, broke up several passes. Tight end Tyler Fortenberry was repeatedly denied by Prassas, who knocked away a pass that could have extended a drive.
The Cougars’ defense also excelled in run support. Defensive end Anisi Purcell celebrated after a tackle that forced a short-yardage situation, and safety Tommy Prassas and cornerback Jayven Williams brought down Iowa State’s rushers behind the line of scrimmage multiple times. These stops limited the Cyclones’ ability to sustain long drives.
On offense, Bachmeier showed moments of mobility and poise, scrambling down the middle of the field and finding open receivers. Tight end Roger Saleapaga II made a juggling catch while running downfield, giving BYU a boost in the passing game. Still, the offense missed chances to extend the lead due to dropped passes and a few penalties.
BYU maintained control throughout the game despite these issues. The Cougars’ defense forced Iowa State to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns, keeping the score manageable. Their ability to hold firm on critical downs helped maintain the advantage.
With this win, BYU keeps its unbeaten streak alive and looks ahead to a high-profile game against Notre Dame. The defensive performance against Iowa State provided a blueprint for how the Cougars can compete against top-tier opponents, even when missing key players.
The latest confirmed detail from the game is BYU’s defensive effort under pressure, holding Iowa State to just 10 points and 200 total yards while their offense found enough to win 24-10 at home.
According to Yahoo Sports.
