DILEMMA: With LJ Martin & Isaiah Glasker Declared 'Doubtful,' Will BYU Football OVERCOME Iowa State?

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? If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the NEW Locked On Cougars Everydayer Club by going to LockedOnCougars.SuperCast.com Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms… 🎧 https://link.chtbl.com/LOCougars?sid=... Locked On College Conferences, HBCU, Basketball & More 🎧 https://linktr.ee/LockedOnCollege 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. Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Butcher Box: If you're looking for an easier way to get great meals on the table, give ButcherBox a try. Go to https://ButcherBox.com/LOCKEDONCOLLEG... get $20 off your first box, plus your choice of free ribeye, new york strip, or filet mignon in every box for a year — with free shipping always. Wayfair: Transform your space with pieces that hold up to real life.  Join Wayfair Rewards today and get five percent back on every purchase. Head to https://Wayfair.com or shop the Wayfair app for all things home. Every style. Every home. FanDuel: This season, FanDuel is making the excitement go beyond what happens on the field with the all-new FanDuel Rewards Club, featuring exclusive offers, surprises, and more. Every week, check the FanDuel app to see what’s waiting for you or visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Follow the Locked On Cougars podcast on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up-to-date with the latest with regards to the podcast and BYU sports news. You can get in contact by emailing us at LockedOnBYU@gmail.com.