BOMBSHELL: LJ Martin Injury SHAKES UP Big 12 Race—Will Bear Bachmeier DELIVER For BYU vs Iowa State? | What Will Cyclones Attempt Friday Night? | Locked On Crossover

BYU football faces a pivotal moment in their Big 12 campaign as Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin is sidelined for 4–6 weeks. The running back’s absence puts additional pressure on quarterback Bear Bachmeier to become the engine of the offense, just as the Cougars prepare for a critical stretch that features marquee matchups with Iowa State, Notre Dame, and the fierce Holy War against Utah. Can BYU’s “Bear Raid” attack adapt rapidly enough to stay atop the Big 12 standings, or does this injury spell wider opportunity for Iowa State and other conference contenders?

Jake Hatch and Nick Marovets deliver expert analysis on the shifting landscape in the Big 12, exploring how BYU’s depleted running back room—missing both LJ Martin and backup Sione Moa—forces Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and rest of the coaching staff to retool their strategy. The discussion highlights the prospects for freshmen Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka, as well as senior Preston Rex, to provide support in the ground game. Jake Hatch details how Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat performance against TCU previewed what Cougar fans might expect in upcoming weeks, while Nick Marovets positions Iowa State as a formidable opponent, especially behind the physical running of Aiden Flora and the emerging aerial threat posed by Jalen Raynor.

The hosts break down the chess match between BYU’s defense—which ranks among the top ten nationally in rush defense—and Iowa State’s evolving, run-heavy offense led by coach Jimmy Rogers. Key matchups to watch include BYU’s makeshift offensive line against Iowa State’s aggressive front, and whether wide receivers like Dominic Overby and Amari Hayes can exploit potential gaps in BYU’s secondary. Insights into special teams, average starting field position, and momentum-building plays underscore how the smallest details could swing the outcome.

Local connections abound, with several players on both teams having ties to Utah high schools and past programs—including former BYU Cougars defensive back Micah Harper, now at Iowa State, and Dominic Overby, a West Jordan High graduate, among others. The episode concludes with bold predictions and debate over whether BYU can maintain their unbeaten start at home, or if Iowa State’s surging confidence and recent 45-point win over West Virginia signal a changing of the guard in the Big 12.

Will the Cougars overcome adversity and defend home turf, or has the door opened for Cyclones to ascend in the conference race? Get the full breakdown, tactical keys to victory, and can’t-miss storylines from Jake Hatch and Nick Marovets in this can’t-miss Locked On crossover.

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Jake Hatch brings you daily coverage of the BYU Cougars with the Locked On Cougars Podcast. Locked On Cougars brings BYU fans the latest news and comprehensive coverage when it comes to the BYU football and basketball programs as well as a look at the other teams in the BYU athletic department. Jake gives you his unique insights and insider information about the Cougs as they continue "on the trail to fame and glory" every weekday, along with interviews with players, coaches, experts, and alumni that you will not find anywhere else.

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