PROVO, Utah — October 10, 2026 — Iowa State struggled to keep pace with No. 8 BYU on Friday night, falling 24–10 at LaVell Edwards Stadium as the Cougars used a dominant offensive performance and a disciplined defensive effort to remain unbeaten.

BYU improved to 5–0 overall and 3–0 in Big 12 play, while Iowa State dropped to 3–3 overall and 1–2 in conference action. The result highlighted the challenges facing the Cyclones as they look to regain momentum in the second half of their season.

The difference was evident in the offensive numbers. BYU finished with 506 total yards compared with Iowa State’s 200, consistently moving the ball and limiting the Cyclones’ opportunities to mount a sustained challenge.

Bachmeier Leads BYU’s Offensive Attack

BYU quarterback Bear Bachmeier delivered a standout performance, completing 22 of 30 passes for 329 yards and two touchdowns while throwing no interceptions. He added 109 rushing yards, giving the Cougars a versatile offensive weapon that Iowa State struggled to contain throughout the night.

Bachmeier’s ability to create plays through the air and on the ground helped BYU control the tempo and capitalize on opportunities.

Freshman wide receiver Legend Glasker provided one of the game’s defining moments late in the third quarter. With 1:09 remaining in the period, Glasker hauled in a 75-yard touchdown pass from Bachmeier, extending BYU’s lead to 21–3 and putting the Cougars firmly in control.

Glasker finished with five receptions for 99 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Walker Lyons added five catches for 61 yards, while Kyler Kasper contributed three receptions for 40 yards and a touchdown.

BYU’s explosive passing game, combined with Bachmeier’s mobility, repeatedly tested Iowa State’s defense and created a difficult matchup for the Cyclones.

Iowa State Unable to Establish Offensive Consistency

For Iowa State, the challenge was generating enough offense to remain competitive against one of the Big 12’s top teams.

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 16 of 29 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. The Cyclones managed 102 rushing yards but struggled to sustain drives, averaging just 3.6 yards per play and converting only two of 13 third-down attempts.

Iowa State’s first points came on a 40-yard field goal from Kyle Konrardy in the second quarter, cutting BYU’s lead to 7–3. However, the Cyclones struggled to build on that scoring opportunity as the Cougars continued to control the game.

BYU carried a 21–3 advantage into the fourth quarter before Iowa State found the end zone. Following a muffed punt that gave the Cyclones favorable field position, Raynor connected with Christian Greenlaw on a one-yard touchdown pass to cut the deficit to 21–10.

The score offered a brief opening for a comeback, but BYU responded with a 38-yard field goal from Matthias Dunn to restore its 14-point lead.

Iowa State was unable to produce another scoring drive, and the Cougars closed out the victory.

The Numbers Tell the Story

BYU’s statistical advantage underscored its control of the matchup. The Cougars accumulated 329 passing yards and 177 rushing yards, averaging 8.3 yards per play. Iowa State finished with 98 passing yards and 102 rushing yards.

The Cyclones also struggled on third down, converting just two of 13 attempts. BYU converted four of 10 and held the advantage in time of possession, controlling the ball for 32 minutes and 43 seconds.

Despite the offensive struggles, Iowa State avoided losing a turnover of its own. However, the inability to generate explosive plays and extend drives left the Cyclones with little room for error against a productive BYU offense.

A Critical Stretch Ahead for the Cyclones

The loss leaves Iowa State at the .500 mark overall, with important conference games remaining on the schedule.

The Cyclones will have a bye next weekend before returning to action October 24 against Arizona. The break offers an opportunity to evaluate the offensive performance in Provo, improve third-down execution and prepare for the next stage of Big 12 play.

Developing greater consistency in the passing game will be a priority. Iowa State will also need to establish a more effective balance between its running and passing attacks to prevent opposing defenses from dictating the pace of games.

For BYU, the victory strengthens its position in the Big 12 race. The Cougars remain unbeaten at 5–0 and have demonstrated the offensive firepower and defensive discipline needed to compete against quality opponents.

Final Takeaway

BYU’s 24–10 victory was defined by explosive plays, quarterback production and an inability by Iowa State to sustain offensive momentum. Bachmeier’s 438 combined passing and rushing yards led the way, while Glasker’s long touchdown reception helped the Cougars create separation.

Iowa State showed some fight in the fourth quarter, but the late scoring drive was not enough to overcome three quarters of limited offensive production.

The Cyclones now turn their attention to the bye week and their upcoming matchup with Arizona. How effectively they respond to the shortcomings exposed in Provo could play a significant role in shaping the remainder of their season.