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- calendar_today October 8, 2026
BYU Faces Significant Offensive Challenge with LJ Martin's Injury
No. 8 BYU football will contend with a major setback as standout running back LJ Martin is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a lower-body injury during the Cougars' recent win over TCU. Martin left the game after recording two carries for 16 yards in BYU's 17-10 victory and did not return.
Impact of LJ Martin's Absence on BYU Football
LJ Martin's injury delivers a considerable blow to the BYU offense. As the Big 12's leading rusher last season, Martin contributed 1,305 yards and 12 touchdowns to the Cougars' campaign. In his recent absence, BYU managed just 216 total yards against TCU, underlining his essential role in the team’s offensive efforts.
Depth in the Running Back Position
Without Martin, BYU will turn to multiple running backs to share the workload. Coach Kalani Sitake highlighted Preston Rex and Journee Tonga as players who would take on increased responsibilities in the backfield following Martin's injury. "We talk about our depth and we're just gonna have to trust it and let these guys be able to do some of the stuff that LJ was able to do," Sitake said. "This is their time."
Bear Bachmeier Steps Up
Quarterback Bear Bachmeier is expected to play a more active role in BYU’s running game. Against TCU, Bachmeier rushed for 66 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries, a significant increase from his previous three games combined. Bachmeier has also shown the ability to contribute in the passing game, last season throwing for 307 yards and two touchdowns in a victory over Iowa State.
Iowa State coach Jimmy Rogers praised Bachmeier's versatility, noting, "He's a physical kid, he can throw the deep ball with the best of them. Obviously, they've put a lot on his plate and you can see that schematically, but he also has the ability to take over games and move the sticks with his legs."
Iowa State’s Versatile Threat: Aiden Flora
Iowa State features its own multi-talented playmaker in Aiden Flora, who recently earned AP National Player of the Week honors after rushing for 212 yards and accounting for five touchdowns in the Cyclones' 45-42 win over West Virginia. Flora, a former walk-on, completed two touchdown passes during the game, and his all-purpose ability makes him a key player to watch.
Flora is only the third player in Big 12 history to record a passing touchdown, a rushing touchdown, and a punt return for a touchdown in a single season. He currently ranks second among FBS players with 785 all-purpose yards.
Bachmeier’s Passing Struggles Against TCU
Despite his increased activity in the run game, Bachmeier faced difficulties throwing the ball against TCU, completing just 11 of 24 passes for 62 yards—a career low after consecutive games with over 200 passing yards. Bachmeier acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Every game isn't like Mary Poppins — perfect in every way... It was one of those games. Luckily, we got out of there with a win."
Iowa State's Impressive Rushing Consistency
Iowa State brings a strong running attack, having rushed for at least 100 yards in 22 consecutive games. This is the longest active streak among Power 4 teams and the sixth longest in the FBS. Through five games, the Cyclones have tallied 987 rushing yards, their most in a five-game stretch since 2009.
Historic Home Matchup in Provo
Friday’s game will mark the seventh meeting between BYU and Iowa State, and the fourth time the teams have played in Provo. The Cougars will look to improve their home record, as they are currently 0-3 against Iowa State in Provo, most recently losing 45-13 in 2023.
Source: fox13now.com.
