DILEMMA: With LJ Martin & Isaiah Glasker Declared 'Doubtful,' Will BYU Football OVERCOME Iowa State? | Kalani Sitake's Weekly Press Conference

BYU football faces a turning point as they gear up to take on the Iowa State Cyclones, likely missing two of their most influential playmakers: LJ Martin on offense and Isaiah Glasker on defense. Can Kalani Sitake and his staff rally around the team's developed depth and recalibrated schemes to overcome these adversity-fueled challenges, or will absences in the lineup force a major shift in BYU’s strategy and outlook? Jake Hatch digs into the details of BYU’s resilience, examining how Aaron Roderick may pivot from a run-centric approach to a more pass-first, air raid philosophy with Bear Bachmeier at quarterback. With Martin likely sidelined, watch for Preston Rex as the change-of-pace back, Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka as between-the-tackles options, and even Bachmeier himself shouldering more of the run game via designed QB runs. Will these adjustments create the offensive spark the BYU Cougars need, or will the absence of their “engine” in Martin prove too much to overcome? The conversation highlights the importance of the offensive line cleaning up drive-killing penalties and other skill players stepping up in crucial moments. On the defensive side, losing Glasker would typically be a stinging blow, but emerging linebacker Jake Clifton and the return of the dynamic Siale Esera provide hope for a seamless transition in Kelly Poppinga’s system. Hatch discusses Clifton’s strong performance at TCU and analyzes the depth of BYU’s linebacker unit, arguing the Cougars may weather this loss better than most expect. The episode also spotlights Iowa State’s rising star Aidan Flora—fresh off an award-winning week and a five-touchdown performance—offering listeners insight into the matchups and defensive keys for BYU to contain him. Kalani Sitake’s media updates inject optimism, with positive injury news on Cannon DeVries and praise for freshmen like Braxton Lindsey, who made their mark in recent games. Questions around weather conditions, ball security, and wide receiver separation add depth to the analysis. With rumors of College GameDay eyeing Provo for the upcoming clash with Notre Dame, every snap against Iowa State takes on added importance. Will the Cougars rise to the moment and stay in the national spotlight?