When the season began, this looked like the hardest game on BYU’s schedule. Don’t let Iowa State's back-to-back losses fool you, it still might be. Iowa State i

Additionally, injuries have ravaged the Cyclones’ depth in their secondary, so watch how Bear Bachmeier and BYU try to attack through the air — and how Iowa State’s remaining secondary personnel responds.

For those BYU football fans who would even dare to drudge up the memory of the last time their team went up against Iowa State, they can recall that it wasn’t exactly pretty by any stretch of the imagination.

The Iowa State Cyclones are hosting their homecoming against the BYU Cougars this week, presenting the ideal time to participate in a tailgate.

Jack Trice Stadium/Ames, IA Game time/channel: 12:30 pm PT/3:30pm ET (FOX) Spread: -2.5 (Iowa State) Matchup History: 5-0 (Iowa State) Indeed, BYU has never beaten Iowa State. In fact, it’s the most matchups for a BYU opponent without the Cougars scoring at least one win in their history.

The defense, and this program, look completely different. Iowa State lost star power on defense, has lost two straight Big 12 contests, and is trending down in my Game Grader ratings.

BYU’s offensive line has never played a front like Iowa State’s this season. Three big down linemen backed by fast linebackers. While the pressures will be different, the Cougars must run the ball to be successful and protect Bachmeier.

And that’s pretty much what Kalani Sitake, in so many words, told his players after they beat Utah on Saturday night. Straight into the grinning teeth of victory — yeah, he wanted them to enjoy the moment — and, yet, he reminded them of what happened to the Cougars last season after they beat the Utes.

No. 11 BYU and Iowa State will square off on Saturday afternoon. The Cyclones have lost two consecutive games and have fallen behind in the conference title rac