No. 8 BYU will face Iowa State in Big 12 play in Provo, Utah, without star running back LJ Martin, according to a October 7 report by CBS Sports. The undefeated Cougars are chasing a historic 5-0 start for the third consecutive year as they prepare to face the Cyclones.
Martin, the reigning Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year, was ruled out Tuesday after sustaining a lower right leg injury during the 17-10 victory over TCU last weekend. While BYU has not shared specific details regarding the injury, the team is also playing without No. 2 running back Sione Moa, who has been out with a knee injury since Week 1. Cougars coach Kalani Sitake noted that while losing the first and second running backs is not ideal, the team has narrowed the gap by utilizing a committee of players.
Preston Rex is expected to serve as the primary ball carrier with the loss of Martin. Other players expected to factor into the rotation include Journee Tonga and Devaughn Elka. Rex, a former safety, stated that while Martin is the best back in the Big 12, the team has the talent to step up.
Iowa State enters the matchup with Aiden Flora, a premier running back who ranks seventh nationally in rushing yards. Flora has recorded 594 rushing yards and six touchdowns this season, averaging 8.1 yards per carry. During a recent 45-42 victory over West Virginia, Flora recorded career-highs with 212 rushing yards and three touchdowns, and also contributed two scoring passes via halfback tosses.
Cyclones quarterback Jaylen Raynor has recorded 903 passing yards and six touchdowns against four interceptions. On the defensive side, linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen leads the team with 46 tackles.
The matchup between the two teams follows a 41-27 BYU road victory over Iowa State last season. In that game, quarterback Bear Bachmeier passed for 307 yards and two touchdowns, and safety Faletau Satuala returned an interception 40 yards for a touchdown. That win marked the first time the Cougars defeated the Cyclones in six all-time meetings.
The game is scheduled for Friday night in Provo, Utah.
