BYU @ Iowa State Picks & Props
BYU vs ISU Picks
NCAAF Picks
BYU is in the final game of a six-week, six-game gauntlet. But I think the Cougars are being discounted too much here.
Iowa State lost to Colorado before the bye week, and struggled with a dual-threat quarterback. Bear Bachmeier will be able to hurt a defense ranked 67th in rush success against and 72nd in third-down success.
The Cougars are one of the most effective rushing teams in college football, and have a defense that generates a solid havoc rate and limits explosive runs. They also rank Top 20 in third-down rate, against an Iowa State offense ranked 88th in moving the chains.
I'll take the better team, tired or not, to get the win.
BYU can defend, allowing 24 points or less in all but one game this season. They rank second in the Big 12 in scoring, allowing 15.6 points per game, while ranking inside the Top 4 in both rush and pass yards against. The Cougars can win outright on the road, and getting those 2.5 points is simply gravy.