Here is Jared Lloyd’s look at the BYU-Iowa State matchups, including his prediction for the final score for Saturday’s game at LaVell Edwards Stadium in Provo:

BYU offense vs. Iowa State defense

After only managing 19 total points in the last two-and-a-half games, the Cougar offense is searching for answers. Neither the run game nor the pass game have been reliable recently and it has shown up in the numbers. Iowa State’s defense is pretty stout, so it won’t be easy for BYU to change that trend.

Edge: Iowa State

BYU defense vs. Iowa State offense

The Cyclones have been through many of the same offensive problems the Cougars have, showing flashes of solid play but then struggling through periods of ineptitude and inability to move the ball. BYU’s defense can’t be happy with its recent performance, but that could result in continuing to overcompensate and get caught out of position.

Edge: BYU

Coaching

BYU head coach Kalani Sitake and his staff have plenty of problems to address and plenty of urgency to find solutions sooner rather than later. Iowa State head coach Matt Campbell did well to weather the program’s early-season storm of controversy and get his team on track. This is another opportunity to take a step forward.

Edge: Even

Intangibles

The Cougars have been significantly more successful at home than on the road and this is Iowa State’s longest trip of the season. Both teams wrap up the season against opponents who are at or near the Top 25, so this is the best chance to get bowl eligible. With both offenses mired in mediocrity, field position and turnovers will take on added significance.

Edge: BYU

Key Matchup: BYU secondary vs. Iowa State receivers

The Cyclones bring a balanced offensive approach to Provo, having ran 281 times and passed 272 times in 2023. But most of the big plays come through the air, where Iowa State has nearly twice as much yardage. Leading the way are Jaylin Neal and Jayden Higgins, who have combined for just over 1,000 yards receiving. That means the Cougars need Jakob Robinson, Kamden Garrett, Eddie Heckard and the safeties to be excellent to limit the chunk yardage for the visitors.

Edge: Even

Prediction

The BYU defense will have a much better showing against the Cyclones, but the Cougar offense won’t be able to get a lot of points. This will be a defensive battle where each team will get a couple of nice drives and few points off short fields, but there will be a lot of punts back and forth. BYU will score late off an Iowa State turnover and get the win, although there will be tense moments down the stretch.

BYU 22, Iowa State 19