No. 8 BYU prepares to host Iowa State on Friday night at LaVell Edwards Stadium without running back LJ Martin and senior linebacker Isaiah Glasker. Both players are listed as doubtful following injuries sustained during last weekend’s win at TCU, testing the depth of the undefeated Cougars.
Head coach Kalani Sitake announced during his Monday press conference that both Martin and Glasker are doubtful to play against the Cyclones according to reporting from The Salt Lake Tribune. The undefeated BYU Cougars head into their Week 6 matchup facing personnel questions.
Friday’s contest at LaVell Edwards Stadium is set for an 8:15 p.m. MDT kickoff, with the game carried live on ESPN and streaming available via FUBO for fans tuning in. The venue sits at an elevation of 4,649 feet, standing as the second highest in the Big 12 behind Colorado. Entering the weekend, the Cougars hold a 4-0 overall record and a 2-0 mark in conference play, while the Cyclones arrive at 3-2 overall and 1-1 in the conference following an emotional 45-42 home victory over West Virginia.
Cougars Deal with LJ Martin’s Absence
Martin left last weekend’s 17-10 victory at TCU with a lower-right-leg injury and did not return. A final availability report will be released by the conference ninety minutes prior to Friday’s opening whistle.
With Martin sidelined alongside running back Sione Moa, the Cougars plan to utilize a committee approach in the backfield alongside quarterback Bear Bachmeier. Sitake expressed confidence in the team’s remaining depth despite the injuries, pointing to younger contributors ready to step forward.
“It’s not ideal going into the season or the games with possibility of having your first and second running back be out, but we feel like we’ve narrowed the gap quite a bit from one to two to three, and then we have a committee of guys that can do it.”
Kalani Sitake, BYU Head Coach
Preston Rex is expected to take on a primary role in the backfield after rushing for 94 yards on 18 carries this season. Freshmen Journee Tonga, who has gained 157 yards on 19 carries, and Devaughn Eka, who has totaled 87 yards on 12 attempts, will also factor into the rotation following their early-season contributions. Sophomore dual-threat quarterback Bear Bachmeier leads the overall offense and paces the squad with four rushing touchdowns while completing 64 percent of his passes for 704 yards and six scores.
Defensive Adjustments at Linebacker
Glasker was removed from the team’s depth chart ahead of the Iowa State game, a traditional indicator from the coaching staff that a player will miss multiple contests. Defensive injuries present another challenge for the Cougars as they attempt to slow down a surging Iowa State attack.
Glasker sustained an injury after taking a hit during an interception return against TCU, leaving behind his 16 total tackles accumulated this year.
The linebacker room remains the deepest position group on the roster, featuring starters Tausili Akana, Nusi Taumoepeau, Cade Uluave, and Jake Clifton alongside reserves like Braxton Lindsey and Hunter Clegg, the latter of whom earned the highest defensive grade from PFF against TCU.
In the defensive secondary, slot cornerback and punt returner Cannon DeVries left last week’s contest against the Horned Frogs with an injury but was listed as probable to face the Cyclones on Friday.
Cyclones Arrive in Provo Behind Aiden Flora
Redshirt sophomore running back Aiden Flora recorded 212 rushing yards, three rushing touchdowns, and two passing scores coming off a 45-42 win over West Virginia. The Cyclones travel to LaVell Edwards Stadium.
Flora leads Iowa State with 594 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the season while averaging 8.1 yards per carry under first-year head coach Jimmy Rogers. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor anchors the aerial attack with 903 passing yards and six touchdowns against four interceptions.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. MDT with a live broadcast on ESPN.
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