PROVO, Utah — The eighth-ranked Brigham Young Cougars stayed perfect on the season Friday night, relying on explosive plays and stingy defense to defeat Iowa State 24-10 at LaVell Edwards Stadium.
BYU improved to 5-0 overall and 3-0 in Big 12 play, while the Cyclones dropped to 3-3 overall and 1-2 in conference action, SB Nation reported. The matchup marked the second consecutive year BYU defeated Iowa State after entering last season without a victory in the series history.
Cougars strike early and hit big plays
BYU established control on the opening possession of the contest. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier directed a 75-yard drive highlighted by his rushing ability, culminating in a 6-yard touchdown carry by running back Journee Tonga, according to Sports Illustrated and SB Nation. Tonga stepped into a larger role alongside Preston Rex as starting running back LJ Martin battled an injury suffered the week before, The Big Lead noted.
Iowa State trimmed the deficit early in the second quarter when Kyle Konrardy connected on a 40-yard field goal to cap an 11-play, 33-yard drive. Despite the score, Iowa State struggled to sustain offense throughout the night under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers.
The Cyclones defense kept the game within reach during the second quarter, stopping the Cougars on fourth-down conversion tries twice inside Iowa State territory. BYU eventually broke through late in the first half when Bachmeier connected with Roger Saleapaga on a 63-yard pass, setting up a 5-yard touchdown strike to receiver Kyler Kasper to give BYU a 14-3 advantage at halftime, SB Nation reported.
Defense seals victory down the stretch
BYU maintained its aggressive offensive approach in the third quarter, turning the ball over on downs once more rather than kicking a field goal, according to Sports Illustrated. However, the Cyclones could not take advantage of the opportunities.
With 69 seconds remaining in the third period, Bachmeier delivered the game’s decisive blow, connecting with Legend Glasker on a 75-yard touchdown pass to push the margin to 21-3. Bachmeier finished the evening with 329 passing yards, SB Nation reported.
Iowa State responded early in the fourth quarter with a six-play, 41-yard scoring series. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor connected with Christian Greenlaw on a short touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 21-10. Raynor finished the game completing 16 of 29 passes for 98 yards, with Omari Hayes, Tyler Fortenberry and Ty Claiborne each catching three passes, according to SB Nation.
The Cyclones had an opportunity to make it a one-possession game midway through the final quarter, but Konrardy missed a 46-yard field goal attempt wide left. BYU then drove 52 yards in six plays, setting up a 38-yard field goal by Matthias Dunn to secure the final 14-point margin.
Looking ahead
Iowa State enters a scheduled bye week before returning to competition on Oct. 24 on the road against Arizona, SB Nation reported. BYU remains atop the Big 12 standings as the Cougars pursue a conference championship berth.
