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BYU is undefeated through four games and ranked No. 8 in the country, but we don’t know how good this iteration of the Cougars is yet.
It’s not fair to label BYU’s schedule a joke, but Kalani Sitake’s bunch have yet to truly be tested by a contender. That will change next week against No. 3 Notre Dame, but that battle is still eight days away.
Right now, the focus has to be on a pesky Iowa State team that will relish the chance to spoil the party in Provo on Friday night.
BYU is a 10-point favorite for this Big 12 clash.
Iowa State vs. BYU pick
Not only is this a tricky schedule spot for BYU with Notre Dame on deck, but the Cougars will be without star running back LJ Martin, as well as the linebacker Isaiah Glasker.
Martin’s injury will mean that quarterback Bear Bachmeier will need to be the focal point of the BYU offense. Before the season, that wouldn’t seem like an issue, but Bachmeier is going through a bit of a sophomore swoon and was not sharp in an ugly win over TCU last week.
Winning ugly has been the calling card for BYU so far this season, but that’s a dangerous game to play, especially against a pesky opponent that has nothing to lose.
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Iowa State certainly has flaws, but Martin’s absence should provide some cover for their wanting run defense, while the Cyclones’ offense, which is averaging 6.1 yards per play this season, should be able to keep BYU’s defense honest.
Hanging with the Cougars under the lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium is no easy task, but this is a rich price to pay on a banged-up favorite that hasn’t found its groove yet.
As long as you’re getting double-digits, Iowa State is the play.
The Play: Iowa State +10 (-108, DraftKings)
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Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
