- Matchup: Iowa State Cyclones vs BYU Cougars
- Event Date: Friday, October 9, 2026
- Venue: LaVell Edwards Stadium, Provo, UT
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Point Spread: Cougars favored by (-11.0)
- Over/Under: 48.5
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The Iowa State Cyclones, currently at 3-2, are set to clash with the undefeated BYU Cougars (4-0) on Friday, October 9, 2026, at LaVell Edwards Stadium. The Cougars are favored by 11 points according to betting lines, with the total set at 48.5 points.
The Cyclones come off a thrilling victory against the West Virginia Mountaineers, winning 45-42. In that matchup, Iowa State demonstrated a potent ground game with 47 rushing attempts racking up 265 yards at an impressive average of 5.6 yards per carry. They executed a total of 76 plays, resulting in an impressive 577 total yards. Defensively, they allowed 11 completions for 227 yards on 23 attempts, translating to a completion rate of 47.8%. Against the run, Iowa State struggled, surrendering 291 yards on 40 carries, averaging 7.3 yards per rush.
This season, the Cyclones have accumulated a total of 1,958 yards. On offense, they’ve achieved 8 passing touchdowns and 11 rushing touchdowns while committing 5 turnovers. The team has recorded 101 first downs but also incurred 26 penalties resulting in 255 yards. They average 197.4 rushing yards per game, ranking them 38th nationally. Concerning scoring, Iowa State averages 33.6 points per game.
Defensively, the Cyclones rank 52nd in college football, allowing 21.2 points per game. Opponents rush for an average of 4.2 yards per attempt and 149.2 yards overall each game. In total, they have given up 746 rushing yards this season. In the air, Iowa State has allowed 862 yards, ranking them 42nd in the nation, and yielding an average of 172.4 passing yards per contest at a completion rate of 61.3%. Overall, they permit 321.6 yards per game, placing them 48th in the country, while allowing 5 touchdowns through the air and 8 on the ground.
The BYU Cougars, undefeated at 4-0, celebrated a narrow win of 17-10 over the TCU Horned Frogs in their last game. They averaged 4.1 yards per carry with a total of 154 rushing yards from 38 attempts, while finishing with 216 total yards over 62 plays (3.5 yards per play). The Cougar defense faced challenges, allowing a 72.0% completion rate, yielding 187 passing yards on 18 of 25 attempts. They also held opponents to 72 rushing yards on 30 attempts (averaging 2.4 yards per carry).
BYU’s offense averages 415.3 yards per game, ranking them 55th in Division 1 football. However, they’ve accrued 219 penalty yards from 27 infractions, ranking 94th in terms of assisting opponents. The Cougars’ ground attack averages 235.5 yards per game, with a total of 942 rushing yards this season. Despite tossing 2 interceptions and losing no fumbles, they have gained 82 first downs. In scoring, BYU stands at 29th among Division 1 teams, averaging 37.3 points per game. Their passing game, however, has tallied 719 yards so far, averaging 179.8 yards per game, placing them 114th overall.
Defensively, BYU has allowed just 300 rushing yards (75.0 yards per game) and 3 rushing touchdowns this season. Through the air, they have permitted 4 touchdowns and an average of 193.0 yards per game, ranking them 47th in Division 1. Overall, they’ve conceded 57 points, recovered 1 fumble, and snagged 6 interceptions. The Cougars have played 238 defensive snaps, positioning them 8th in Division 1. Their defense boasts a strong performance, allowing only 14.3 points per game which ranks them 17th nationwide.
Who will prevail in this exciting Cyclones vs. Cougars college football showdown against the spread?
Prediction: Cougars to cover the spread at -11.0
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