Aiden Flora’s last game was nothing short of legendary. The Iowa State running back shredded West Virginia for a dominant 212 rushing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score with just under two minutes left on the clock. Now, Flora, named both Big 12 and AP National Offensive Player of the Week for that performance, and the Cyclones are rolling into LaVell Edwards Stadium tonight at 9:15 p.m. CDT on ESPN to face No. 8 BYU, and they are bringing some serious firepower with them. This isn’t just another Friday night game, folks. BYU is favored by 10.5 points, but Iowa State’s offense is cooking early in the season.
Cyclones Bringing the Heat on Both Sides of the Ball
Flora isn’t the only offensive weapon Iowa State is unleashing. Quarterback Jaylen Raynor has already racked up 803 passing yards and six touchdowns through five games, adding another three scores on the ground. And keep an eye on tight end Vince Benetti, who, like Flora, is an ADM star. Benetti has caught two touchdowns this season, making three of his six career receptions go for scores. On the defensive side, the Cyclones are looking tough. Sullivan Schlimgen is leading the charge with 46 tackles, averaging 9.2 stops per contest, which puts him second in the Big 12. Isaac “Bobby” Terrell earned Big 12 Defensive Player of the Week honors in Week 1 with a huge 3.0 sacks and a forced fumble against SEMO, and Carson Willich is holding it down with 31 tackles and a team-leading 6.0 tackles for loss.
But it won’t be easy for the Cyclones. They are walking into Provo with a few key players out due to injury, according to the Thursday report. Drew Surges, Rylan Barnes, Caden Crawford, and Ka’Mori Moore are all OUT, though Christian Greenlaw is listed as probable. They are going to need everyone to step up against a top-10 team on the road.
BYU’s Offensive Powerhouse And Defensive Standouts
The No. 8 Cougars aren’t just going to roll over. Their offense is spearheaded by Bear Bachmeier, the 2025 Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year. He’s already got 704 passing yards, six passing touchdowns, 130 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns under his belt. Bachmeier personally scored both of BYU’s touchdowns on the ground in their 17-10 road win over TCU. And watch out for true freshman Legend Glasker. This kid became the first wide receiver in Big 12 history to snag multiple rushing and receiving touchdowns in his team’s first three games. He’s averaging nearly 20 yards a catch, ranking 18th nationally, and exploded for 131 receiving yards against CSU.
On defense, BYU has some serious talent too. Tausili Akana is their main pass-rushing threat, leading the defense with 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, including a huge 2.5-sack performance against Arizona. Cade Uluave, a Cal transfer and team captain, paces BYU with 20 tackles and has already notched an interception. They are without Raider Damuni, LJ Martin, Isaiah Glasker, and Sione Moa who are all OUT, and Cannon DeVries is listed as doubtful. Both teams have some serious injury concerns coming into this matchup.
Tonight’s game is set to kick off at 9:15 p.m. CDT, broadcast on ESPN. With both teams having explosive playmakers on offense and some solid defenders, this Big 12 matchup in Provo is going to be an absolute battle. Who’s gonna come out on top? You don’t want to miss it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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