Iowa St. Cyclones vs BYU Cougars Predictions October 9, 2026

BYU Cougars outlook

BYU beat TCU 17-10 on October 3 after a 7-7 halftime tie. Bear Bachmeier's 21-yard touchdown run with 2:06 remaining pushed the margin to 17-7. Faletau Satuala also contributed a fourth-down interception and a 59-yard return. Those individual plays show how BYU found decisive moments in a close contest.

The October 5 injury report is less encouraging. Running back LJ Martin and linebacker Isaiah Glasker were doubtful for Iowa State. Martin had 344 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns through four games, including only two carries against TCU before leaving early.

Cannon DeVries was probable, rather than certain to play. The defensive back and return specialist was BYU's third-leading tackler and averaged 16.6 yards per punt return. His status matters in both defensive personnel and the return game.

Key matchup factors

Martin's potential absence affects the forecast most directly because his documented rushing production represents a meaningful contribution BYU may need to replace. Glasker's status introduces uncertainty on the other side of the ball. Together, those concerns resist a simple conclusion that injuries must push the game Under.

The total consensus also points in different directions. SportsJaw members and qualified handicappers each favor Under 46.5 (-110) at 70%. The sportsbook split favors Over at 83%, while the weighted combined view favors Over at 72%.

The combined equivalent sample contains 439 Over selections and 171 Under selections, totaling 610. It incorporates a modeled sportsbook sample and SportsJaw participation; it is not an observed sportsbook ticket count. These figures describe sentiment, not a scoring model or a forecast confidence level.

Iowa St. Cyclones vs BYU Cougars spread prediction

Spread recommendation: Pass on Iowa State +10.5 (-113) and BYU -10.5 (-107). The projected seven-point margin falls on Iowa State's side, and the member and qualified-handicapper preferences agree with that direction.

The missing ingredient is a persuasive matchup edge at the price. BYU's injury concerns make laying 10.5 uncomfortable, but uncertainty about the favorite does not automatically make the underdog a value bet. Keep the forecast separate from the decision to risk money.

Iowa St. Cyclones vs BYU Cougars total prediction

Total recommendation: Pass on Over 46.5 (-110) and Under 46.5 (-110). The projected 41 points lean Under, and BYU's latest game finished with 27 points. One low-scoring result, however, is a narrow foundation for predicting a different opponent.

The split between SportsJaw's Under preference and the sportsbook-led Over view reinforces the uncertainty. Neither group supplies the missing offensive and defensive matchup detail. Under fits the score forecast, but it is not the official wager.

Iowa St. Cyclones vs BYU Cougars projected score

Game forecast: BYU 24, Iowa State 17. BYU's unbeaten start, home setting and successful finish at TCU make the Cougars the winner selection.

The strongest counterargument is the potential loss of Martin's rushing production alongside Glasker's doubtful status. With those questions and a limited Cyclones performance picture, confidence is low. The single official SportsJaw betting recommendation is Pass.