Oct 6, 2026 · 49 min
Iowa State bets its defense can slow BYU’s physical attack
Williams & Blum: Can Iowa State Beat No. 8 BYU? The Path to a Cyclone Upset
The matchup could clarify whether Iowa State’s defense and offense are ready for a demanding stretch in a chaotic Big 12 race.
- 1Iowa State must fix its tackling and support the secondary against Bear Bachmeier’s physical, between-the-tackles style.
- 2The hosts see Aidan Flora’s emergence and Tyler Roll’s play-calling as central to raising Iowa State’s offensive ceiling.
- 3Big 12 playoff hopes remain unsettled as teams compete amid uneven résumés and widespread uncertainty.
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Chris Williams says he is buying Iowa State’s defense to rebound from its tackling problems against BYU.
The brief
Chris Williams and Brent Blum set up Iowa State’s Friday visit to No. 8 BYU, where injuries and a short week sharpen an already difficult matchup.
BYU’s Bear Bachmeier brings a physical, between-the-tackles style, putting pressure on Iowa State’s front and a secondary expected to provide run support.
The hosts debate whether Iowa State’s defense can rebound from its missed tackles while Aidan Flora sustains his growing impact after a five-touchdown performance.
They examine Tyler Roll’s play-calling, Cody Jackson’s emergence, and the need for explosive plays if Iowa State’s offense is to keep pace.
The conversation widens to a Big 12 playoff race defined by uncertain contenders, résumé questions, and Oklahoma State’s win over Oregon.