Locked On Cougars - Daily Podcast On BYU Cougars Football & Basketball

BYU football stunned the Notre Dame Fighting Irish with a program-defining victory, vaulting to No. 2 in the national rankings for the first time since their 1984 championship season. Are the BYU Cougars ready to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with college football’s elite? Host Jake Hatch takes listeners inside one of the most hotly contested matchups of the year, spotlighting Kalani Sitake’s steady leadership and the team’s transformation into a "big boy" football program. With Walker Lyons emerging as a premier tight end prospect and Bear Bachmeier delivering punishment as much as he receives, BYU’s offensive identity and depth shine against the Irish, even in the face of adversity like LJ Martin’s absence. Jake addresses the controversies swirling around the game’s final moments—debated pass interference and time left on the clock—but makes it clear these factors didn’t define the outcome. Instead, BYU’s dominance in the trenches, with the offensive line led by rising star Bott Mulitalo and coach TJ Woods, stood out as they matched or surpassed Notre Dame’s celebrated front. Sustained, multi-play touchdown drives—11, 10, 8, and 10 plays—expose the Fighting Irish defense, previously ranked No. 1 but untested by BYU’s offensive firepower. Legendary goal line packages featuring nine offensive linemen and the bruising running of Bachmeier underscore the Cougars’ newfound physicality. Analysis goes further, with Jake’s film review emphasizing “four-point plays” and BYU’s efficiency in the red zone, outpacing Notre Dame when it mattered most. He gives credit to defensive coaching from Kelly Poppinga and an offense expertly coordinated by Aaron Roderick, whose creative game plan neutralized the Irish’s strengths. Jake celebrates Legend Glasker’s rapid development at wide receiver and points to a roster capable of sustaining excellence deep into the season. With this win, BYU’s perception among national pundits and playoff committees should undergo a radical shift—a fact not lost on fans and rivals alike. Jake rounds out the show with a detailed look at the Big 12 landscape, highlighting Houston Cougars’ upset of Oklahoma State, Utah’s nail-biting escape against Colorado, and West Virginia’s shootout win over Cincinnati. He questions what’s behind Arizona State’s struggles, Baylor’s slide, and notes Kansas State’s continued ownership in the Sunflower Showdown. With College GameDay set for Utah’s next matchup, the stage is set for more intrigue in a chaotic, unpredictable Big 12 Conference race. Don’t miss this deep analysis of BYU’s perception-altering victory and its seismic impact on the season’s College Football Playoff picture.

BYU football stands on the brink of a historic opportunity as they prepare to battle the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in front of a potential record-setting College GameDay crowd. Can Kalani Sitake’s team capitalize on a moment decades in the making and assert themselves as a true force in college football? With the eyes of the nation glued to Provo, the stakes extend far beyond a single win or loss—this matchup is about legacy, program trajectory, and grabbing the respect the BYU Cougars have long sought on the national stage. The conversation focused on the magnitude of this showdown for the Cougars, whose climb from BCS exclusion to Power Five contender finds its ultimate test against Notre Dame. One concept discussed was the dynamic energy surrounding Provo, amplified by a buzzing campus, visiting college football royalty, and a palpable sense that tonight could either deliver a magical breakthrough or an epic letdown. The discussion explored both the excitement and the risks: while this is only game six of the season, the implications for playoff positioning and program perception are massive. Several points were raised, including how a statement victory over a nationally renowned foe like Notre Dame could immediately catapult BYU into the heart of the College Football Playoff conversation. A key theme that emerged was the strategic edge BYU may hold, highlighted by a detailed statistical analysis. Numbers show Bear Bachmeier and the BYU offense, even sans LJ Martin, are expected to be by far the toughest test the Notre Dame defense has faced this year, based on both strength of schedule and offensive rankings. The analysis revealed that BYU’s opponents average far higher offensive production than those faced by Notre Dame, suggesting that BYU’s defense may be battle-tested and underrated. However, another critical point was the absolute necessity for BYU to avoid a slow start at home: surrendering early momentum to Notre Dame could sap the crowd and put BYU in a dangerous hole. The discussion looked ahead to how BYU’s veteran lineup, disciplined game plan, and home-field advantage could tilt the contest. Will the Cougars confirm their rising status, or will Notre Dame prove too formidable on this national stage? Cougar Nation waits, hoping this night delivers the program-defining victory they’ve dreamed of.

Big 12 respect is on the line as BYU hosts Notre Dame in a matchup that could redefine the conference’s national reputation. Bear Bachmeier faces his toughest challenge yet, battling the elite Notre Dame defense in front of a high-stakes home crowd. Can Bachmeier’s arm lift the Cougars into the Heisman conversation and spark a potential playoff run, or will the absence of preseason star LJ Martin become the crucial caveat shaping post-game narratives? The panel debates if BYU’s performance is a referendum on the entire Big 12, dissecting how a win or loss might sway perceptions coast-to-coast, and whether the playoff committee will factor in key injuries or simply judge the scoreboard. Meanwhile, the hosts break down what’s at stake across the league, from marquee clashes to upset alerts. Texas Tech welcomes Arizona State in a showdown of the last two conference champions, where Kenny Dillingham’s NFL-caliber receivers meet a rested Red Raiders squad hungry for redemption. Baylor and TCU face off in a “hot seat bowl” that could escalate coaching chatter for Dave Aranda or Sonny Dykes, while Kansas battles Kansas State in a Sunflower State duel buzzing with questions over Isaiah Marshall’s high-variance play and Avery Johnson’s future at quarterback. Each matchup is scrutinized for its strategic turning points, quarterback dynamics, and implications in both league race and national standing. Elsewhere, Utah seeks to fend off Colorado’s five-ring circus, with the hosts emphasizing that a slip-up could damage the Big 12’s image more than any possible BYU triumph could boost it. The offensive fireworks of West Virginia draw attention as well, raising questions about their record-setting defense and whether Cincinnati can capitalize in Morgantown. From offensive lines under fire to quarterbacks placed under immense pressure, each segment is packed with insight, rapid-fire analysis, and sharp debate about what it will take for Big 12 teams to overcome adversity and seize the spotlight. Will resilience, strategy, or reputation decide who shapes the fate of this defining college football weekend? Don’t miss the comprehensive breakdown, predictions, and storylines every Big 12 fan should watch.

BYU football hosts Notre Dame in what might be the Big 12’s most pivotal showdown since Texas and Oklahoma’s departure. With College GameDay rolling into Provo for the first top-10 battle ever at LaVell Edwards Stadium, Kalani Sitake’s Cougars look to shake up the college football world and cement both their own and the Big 12’s legitimacy on a national stage. Hampered by key injuries but fueled by playoff dreams, BYU aims for a breakthrough victory against a heavily favored Fighting Irish squad that has yet to face real adversity this season. Cody Stovall and Jake Hatch spotlight how a Cougars’ win would not only boost BYU’s College Football Playoff prospects, but also force national pundits and the College Football Playoff Committee to reconsider the entire Big 12 landscape. The conversation expands to Oklahoma State’s do-or-die matchup with Houston, highlighting the looming consequences for both teams as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive. With contenders like Baylor, Arizona, Texas Tech, and Utah lurking, the crew breaks down which squads have the right mix of offensive firepower and defensive steadiness required to separate themselves from the crowded field. Quarterbacks like Bear Bachmeier, Drew Messermaker, and Noah Fafita are put under the microscope as they jockey for top billing in a conference stacked with high-level signal callers. Rivalries and postseason implications take center stage as the panel unpacks whether Utah fans might secretly hope for a BYU victory ahead of their own critical showdown—and how results this weekend could set up a monumental top-10 clash in Salt Lake. Fan engagement and program prestige also come into play, with pointed remarks about Houston’s underwhelming home support threatening the long-term relevance of their football program. As the Big 12 faces a make-or-break weekend, every result could reshape bowl projections, playoff aspirations, and the national narrative. Will BYU finally get its statement win and elevate the conference’s standing, or does Notre Dame play spoiler and reaffirm traditional power structures? The balance of power in college football is up for grabs, and this week might be the turning point.

LIVE FROM SUNDANCE: This top-ten heavyweight collision between No. 8 BYU and No. 2 Notre Dame isn't just another fixture on the autumn calendar—it is a monumental, earth-shaking referendum on the entire landscape of college football. When two undefeated powerhouses lock horns under the Saturday night prime-time lights at LaVell Edwards Stadium, with ESPN’s College GameDay descending upon Provo, the entire sports world stops. This game is massive because it completely shatters the cozy, coastal narrative that elite national relevance belongs exclusively to regional monopolies and legacy brand names. Kalani Sitake’s squad didn't ask for permission to crash the penthouse; they battered down the doors through old-school trench warfare, punishing developmental depth, and a relentless refusal to bend to status-quo bias. For the Big 12, this is the ultimate validation. Every brutal, blood-and-guts Saturday inside the conference's weekly meat grinder builds toward moments like this. It proves that authentic, high-altitude toughness and elite execution carry more weight than pre-packaged preseason hype. A win on this stage alters the entire geopolitical hierarchy of the sport and sends a deafening message to the selection committee. When a deafening, sold-out Provo crowd creates a house of horrors for the Fighting Irish, the nation isn't just watching a football game—they are witnessing a seismic shift in power. Are you ready for the ultimate clash of wills?

Defense reigns supreme as the BYU Cougars gear up to host the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in one of the season’s most anticipated matchups. Are fans ready for a hard-hitting chess match under the lights, or will an offensive star emerge to change the narrative? Both teams enter Saturday night with top-10 defensive rankings: Notre Dame comes in allowing just 214 yards and 11 points per game, while BYU football counters with a stingy 13.4 points allowed on average and a top-20 rush defense. The stage is set for a physical battle—can Kalani Sitake and defensive coordinator Kelly Poppinga outmaneuver the Irish’s Chris Ash and Marcus Freeman, or will the offenses steal the spotlight? The quarterback battle looms large: will CJ Carr find room against BYU’s physical secondary, or can Bear Bachmeier overcome Notre Dame’s elite turnover margin and imposing front? Jake Hatch breaks down all the numbers, key matchups, and historical context as BYU seeks to legitimize its program in front of a national audience. The stakes rise with College GameDay announcing a new location—the Lawn at Heritage Halls—giving fans a fresh backdrop and an electric atmosphere for Saturday morning’s national broadcast. Jake provides insider tips on campus navigation, parking, and the student energy fueling the festivities. Listeners also get the scoop on live coverage opportunities, including a live show at Chubby’s Cafe where fans can win free game tickets and make a full day out of the Cougar football experience. Special guest Tim LaComb, former BYU men's basketball assistant coach and frontman of the Party Hounds, shares the inside story of his band’s four-decade run and previews their high-octane set at Cougar Canyon—just outside LaVell Edwards Stadium. Tim reminisces about the band’s origins in Dallas, the camaraderie built over years of classic rock covers, and how their live performance aims to energize Cougar Nation ahead of this top-10 showdown. Tim also offers a coach’s perspective on managing team mentality in high-stakes games, drawing parallels between past Brigham Young University legends like LaVell Edwards and today’s rising stars, while Jake highlights why this matchup could be the program's most significant since the iconic Miami upset. Listeners are urged not to miss out on Cougs Giving Day, an initiative to expand BYU’s football training facilities—featuring a challenge grant where even small donations unlock major resources and directly impact the team’s future. Will BYU seize its chance for national credibility? Get ready for a day where history, community, and gridiron grit converge in Provo.

BYU Football stands at a crossroads as the Cougars prepare for their first-ever top-10 showdown at LaVell Edwards Stadium—hosting college football blue blood Notre Dame. Will BYU finally earn national respect, or will the program be left fighting familiar biases after a heavyweight clash? Jake Hatch kicks off with a pointed look at the prevailing double standard in college football coverage: Notre Dame receives outsized benefit of the doubt for an arguably weak schedule, while BYU faces continual skepticism despite similar resumes and an impressive win over Arizona. The conversation centers on the key question: why does Notre Dame get a pass, whereas Brigham Young University’s every move is scrutinized? Jake Hatch draws attention to recruiting rankings and the tendency for blue-chip rosters to drive perception, despite BYU’s proven track record of developing so-called lesser talent into four- and five-star production. The episode features a review of recent games—contrasting Notre Dame’s blowout win over a rebuilding Stanford and narrow margin against North Carolina with the BYU Cougars' strong showings against Arizona, Colorado State, and Iowa State. Jake Hatch isn’t shy about acknowledging his Cougar bias, but urges listeners to consider the facts on both sides as the teams prep for their marquee matchup. Marcus Freeman’s comments about embracing the challenge in Provo at LaVell Edwards Stadium spark further debate about the Irish’s willingness to visit BYU—given the history of scheduling renegotiations, Shamrock Series “neutral site” games, and unfulfilled contracts. Jake Hatch applauds the arrival of new leadership at Notre Dame and calls for more frequent home-and-home series between the Cougars and Irish, highlighting the shared faith-based identities and passionate fanbases of both schools. He also touches on the upcoming implications for both teams in the College Football Playoff and the Big 12 Conference race. Will the AP poll show BYU the same mercy as Alabama if the Cougars narrowly lose? Or will the voters again drop BYU harshly, regardless of the quality of performance? Jake Hatch explores the mechanics and frustrations of the national ranking process and outlines what’s at stake, especially as BYU faces this challenge without star running back LJ Martin. With both programs eager to end decades-long national title droughts, the importance of Saturday’s high-stakes clash is undeniable. Don’t miss Jake Hatch’s comprehensive breakdown of what this matchup means for BYU, Notre Dame, and the broader college football landscape as judgment day approaches in Provo.

BYU football faces a pivotal moment as they welcome in Notre Dame Saturday and have ESPN’s College GameDay returning to Provo for the first time since 2009. The stakes couldn’t be higher—can Kalani Sitake’s team fix its critical red zone issues and convert missed opportunities into a signature win? Bear Bachmeier’s growth at quarterback and Aaron Roderick’s play-calling under the national spotlight are under the microscope. As the Cougars prepare for a game that could redefine their place in the college football landscape, fans and analysts are asking: will the BYU Cougars finally shake off the doubters and claim their shot at national relevance? Jake Hatch spotlights BYU’s dominating yet imperfect victory over Iowa State, revealing how a 24-10 final score masked both overwhelming strengths and glaring red zone shortcomings. He explores teachable breakdowns, such as fourth down efficiency and missed touchdown opportunities—like the near-miss to Legend Glasker and the fade threat once posed by Isaac Rex. Standouts Keanu Tanuvasa and Bodie Schoonover anchor a stalwart defense, while Kyler Kasper’s resilience and Tiger Bachmeier’s mixed special teams performance draw scrutiny. Hatch provides actionable takeaways for Sitake’s staff and highlights the passionate impact of Cougar Nation, whose deafening crowd noise helped sway momentum against Iowa State. The episode dives into the implications of College GameDay’s return to Brigham Young University and the national spotlight against one of college football’s most storied programs. Can BYU overcome oddsmakers—who peg them as double-digit underdogs—and show the nation they’re more than just a scrappy Big 12 newcomer? Hatch analyzes how this matchup with Notre Dame, plus the resume win over a now-impressive Arizona Wildcats squad, could catapult the Cougars into College Football Playoff contention. Could a win even put Bear Bachmeier in the Heisman conversation, especially with injuries to key offensive playmakers like LJ Martin? Key discussion points extend to Big 12 storylines, with Hatch’s “3 Up, 3 Down” segment critiquing Utah’s defensive cracks, West Virginia’s defensive collapse, and Kansas State’s stumbles, while praising Oklahoma State, Houston, and Arizona’s surges. With ticket prices soaring, the crowd buzzing, and history at stake, Hatch sets the scene for a weekend that could define BYU’s campaign. Will College GameDay prove a curse or a coming-out party? Can BYU rise above adversity and finally silence the naysayers? Don’t miss Hatch’s hard-hitting analysis, bold predictions, and the inside scoop on how BYU plans to seize its biggest opportunity yet.

Big 12 title hopes hang in the balance as injuries, unexpected breakout stars, and quarterback controversies threaten to rewrite the conference pecking order. Can BYU’s depth hold up with LJ Martin and Isaiah Glasker sidelined, and will Bear Bachmeier reprise his breakout performance against Iowa State? Drake Toll, Jake Hatch, Chris Level, Cody Stovall, and the Locked On Big 12 crew tackle the trickiest weekend slate yet, spotlighting how Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and Kelly Poppinga adjust schemes to keep BYU in the hunt. Utah’s impressive point differential, Arkansas win, and Devin Dampier’s emergence lead to a heated debate: are the Utes peaking at the right time before hosting Kansas and Colorado at Rice-Eccles Stadium? The roundtable debates whether Texas Tech’s disjointed offense or BYU’s injury setbacks are more detrimental to contending, with Chris Level highlighting Will Hammond’s promise and the impact of losing Terrence Carter and Cam Dickey. UCF’s two-quarterback system and strong defensive metrics force Oklahoma State to split its game prep, while Baylor’s hot streak led by DJ Lagway and Jake Spavital’s rejuvenated offense raises the question—are the Bears for real, or have they benefited from a soft opening slate? Top storylines include Arizona State’s defensive woes, Kansas State’s potential spoiler role, and whether West Virginia can exploit Arizona’s early start. As rankings chaos continues, the hosts question the SEC’s poll inertia and why undefeated Big 12 teams like Baylor and Oklahoma State struggle to gain national traction—despite impressive results. Guest insights scrutinize transfer eligibility drama after last-minute game day player rulings, asking what ripple effects could hit the Big 12’s star basketball transfers like Jackson Kohler this winter. The hosts wrap with bold predictions for key matchups and revisit under-the-radar players poised to swing the standings down the stretch. Will Utah keep rolling in Salt Lake? Can Texas Tech’s defense buy time for its offense to click? Is UCF’s defense the real x-factor? Locked On’s expert panel delivers sharp, entertaining banter and insider nuggets to keep fans ahead of the curve as the Big 12 enters its critical midseason stretch—where every game could change the title landscape.

BYU football faces a pivotal moment in their Big 12 campaign as Offensive Player of the Year LJ Martin is sidelined for 4–6 weeks. The running back’s absence puts additional pressure on quarterback Bear Bachmeier to become the engine of the offense, just as the Cougars prepare for a critical stretch that features marquee matchups with Iowa State, Notre Dame, and the fierce Holy War against Utah. Can BYU’s “Bear Raid” attack adapt rapidly enough to stay atop the Big 12 standings, or does this injury spell wider opportunity for Iowa State and other conference contenders? Jake Hatch and Nick Marovets deliver expert analysis on the shifting landscape in the Big 12, exploring how BYU’s depleted running back room—missing both LJ Martin and backup Sione Moa—forces Kalani Sitake, Aaron Roderick and rest of the coaching staff to retool their strategy. The discussion highlights the prospects for freshmen Journee Tonga and Devaughn Eka, as well as senior Preston Rex, to provide support in the ground game. Jake Hatch details how Bear Bachmeier’s dual-threat performance against TCU previewed what Cougar fans might expect in upcoming weeks, while Nick Marovets positions Iowa State as a formidable opponent, especially behind the physical running of Aiden Flora and the emerging aerial threat posed by Jalen Raynor. The hosts break down the chess match between BYU’s defense—which ranks among the top ten nationally in rush defense—and Iowa State’s evolving, run-heavy offense led by coach Jimmy Rogers. Key matchups to watch include BYU’s makeshift offensive line against Iowa State’s aggressive front, and whether wide receivers like Dominic Overby and Amari Hayes can exploit potential gaps in BYU’s secondary. Insights into special teams, average starting field position, and momentum-building plays underscore how the smallest details could swing the outcome. Local connections abound, with several players on both teams having ties to Utah high schools and past programs—including former BYU Cougars defensive back Micah Harper, now at Iowa State, and Dominic Overby, a West Jordan High graduate, among others. The episode concludes with bold predictions and debate over whether BYU can maintain their unbeaten start at home, or if Iowa State’s surging confidence and recent 45-point win over West Virginia signal a changing of the guard in the Big 12. Will the Cougars overcome adversity and defend home turf, or has the door opened for Cyclones to ascend in the conference race? Get the full breakdown, tactical keys to victory, and can’t-miss storylines from Jake Hatch and Nick Marovets in this can’t-miss Locked On crossover.

The Big 12 contenders are starting to emerge. The Locked On Big 12 Squad dives into the latest going on within the conference, including one shocking take about the Baylor Bears. Baylor's surprising 4-1 start has quietly turned heads across the Big 12, especially given how few pundits expected Dave Aranda's squad to make this kind of noise right out of the gate. After a heartbreaking, literal one-point stumble against Auburn in the opener, the Bears didn't spiral—they completely flipped the script. The offense has suddenly found a devastating, explosive rhythm, highlighted by a masterclass performance in a 55-19 demolition of Arizona State where they racked up over 500 yards of total offense. Balanced play-calling, sharp execution in the skill positions, and a defensive front that is suddenly winning the line of scrimmage have given this team an entirely new identity. What makes this early surge so compelling is how they are doing it. Rather than relying on smoke and mirrors, Baylor is imposing its physical will, suffocating opponents on defense, and executing with a level of trench toughness that was missing during previous struggles. Of course, the meat grinder of the conference schedule is still waiting around the corner, with heavy-hitting tests against the likes of TCU, Iowa State, and BYU looming large. But for now, the Bears have completely altered the narrative in Waco, proving they are fully equipped to survive the weekly Big 12 bloodbath. Do you think Baylor’s high-flying start is sustainable once they run into the true heavy-hitters of the conference gauntlet?

BYU football is quietly positioning themselves as a Big 12 threat, thriving on being underestimated as national media attention shifts toward Utah, Texas Tech, and Oklahoma State. Could this underdog status fuel their run to a championship? Jake Hatch highlights Kalani Sitake's steadying presence and BYU's impressive 27-4 record over the past two-plus seasons as evidence that writing off the Cougars could be a costly mistake. Following a hard-fought victory over TCU—a game that saw Bear Bachmeier candidly address his own struggles—the BYU Cougars remain focused on their “handle business week by week” mentality. With a crucial Friday night test against Iowa State and a potential College Football Playoff-shaping clash versus Notre Dame looming, BYU’s season is building toward a national spotlight. Will a statement win over Notre Dame on ABC push BYU into serious CFP conversation, or does one misstep end the dream? The drama extends beyond the field as SEC voices, led by Clay Travis, rage over ESPN granting BYU vs. Notre Dame the coveted primetime slot on ABC October 17th, allegedly at the expense of top SEC matchups. Jake Hatch calls out the perceived entitlement in the SEC’s reaction, arguing that programs like BYU and Notre Dame deserve the big stage and that ESPN’s move reflects college football’s evolving landscape. Debates heat up over which games truly drive ratings and whether the SEC's grip on marquee television exposure may finally be loosening. Meanwhile, optimism rises across Brigham Young University athletics. “Marriott Center Madness” gives Cougar fans a first look at both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. Kevin Young is quickly transforming BYU men’s hoops into a recruiting powerhouse, competing with the likes of Kentucky and Duke for elite prospects. On the women’s side, Lee Cummard’s group—led by dynamic guard Delaney Gibb—looks poised for a noteworthy season after last year’s deep postseason run. Additional highlights include a tip of the cap to BYU’s golf standout Kihei Akina, fresh off a top-10 finish at the Bank of Utah Championship at Black Desert Resort. Jake Hatch wraps with a look at the broader surge in Cougar sports, from postseason expectations in basketball to the rising profile of Olympic sports at BYU. Can BYU football parlay its outsider energy into a legitimate playoff push? Is Cougar basketball on the cusp of a national breakthrough? Get the full rundown on BYU’s momentum, key storylines, and why now might be the time to buy stock in the Cougars’ championship ambitions.

BYU football showcased grit and resilience in a tough, weather-affected win over TCU, further solidifying their status as a Big 12 Conference contender. Bear Bachmeier emerged as the heart of the offense, carrying Brigham Young University through adversity after LJ Martin left with an injury. Jake Hatch breaks down how Kalani Sitake’s squad leaned on defense, a ground-heavy approach, and Bachmeier’s timely heroics—including a 21-yard touchdown run—to outlast the Horned Frogs. The game plan shifted out of necessity, with BYU relying on a “run-and-don’t-turn-it-over” blueprint that defied their usual high-octane offense, as penalties and offensive line miscues threatened to derail key drives. Yet, timely plays from Keanu Tanuvasa, Justin Kirkland, and standout edge rushers like Nusi Taumoepeau helped neutralize TCU, while players like Jake Clifton and Preston Rex stepped up in larger roles. The episode dives deep into the BYU Cougars' response to mounting injuries, questioning whether Bear Bachmeier can continue shouldering a heavier load if LJ Martin remains sidelined. Jake Hatch analyzes how the offense may have to evolve—potentially shifting from a run-first approach to relying more on Bachmeier’s arm if conditions allow, especially against an Iowa State defense that doesn’t appear to pack the same physical punch as TCU’s. Can Aaron Roderick’s system find balance without its star running back, or will the pressure overload Bachmeier down the stretch? Strategic insights draw attention to the need for discipline on the offensive line and adaptability among a reshuffled backfield, with Preston Rex and Journee Tonga offering complementary styles in Martin’s absence. The discussion features a sharp Big 12 “3 Up, 3 Down” roundup, spotlighting significant results across the conference. Baylor, led by DJ Lagway’s explosive four-touchdown showing, surges to a 4-1 start and suddenly looks like a dark horse; Arizona asserts itself with a rout of Cincinnati, making BYU’s early-season win over the Wildcats look even more impressive by the week; and Iowa State emerges as a dangerous, fast-improving opponent after lighting up West Virginia. On the flip side, Colorado’s mounting pressure under Coach Prime, Cincinnati’s struggles outside of their friendly home confines, and Arizona State’s collapse against Baylor raise tough questions for those squads. Will BYU’s defense continue to carry the load as injuries pile up? Can the Cougars reclaim their offensive identity and climb higher in the rankings against Iowa State? Jake Hatch unpacks the takeaways, the warning signs, and the potential path forward in a rapidly shifting Big 12 landscape.