BYU's Win Over Iowa State Shows UCF What's Coming to Orlando
No. 8 BYU handed Iowa State a 24-10 loss Friday night, and the performance offers a clear preview for UCF fans ahead of the Cougars' Oct. 24 visit to the Bounce House. Quarterback Bear Bachmeier did it all, throwing for 329 yards and two touchdowns while adding 109 rushing yards on nine carries.
The Cougars controlled the game from start to finish, scoring once in every quarter while their defense repeatedly stiffened against the Cyclones. Iowa State converted just one of its four fourth-down attempts, and its passing game never got off the ground.
Bachmeier's Dual-Threat Ability Poses Problems for UCF
Bachmeier accounted for 61.9% of BYU's total rushing yards against Iowa State. His ability to extend plays and pick up yards on the ground makes him a unique challenge for any defense, including the Knights.
BYU's running back room is banged up. Star back LJ Martin is out four to six weeks with a lower body injury, per ESPN's Pete Thamel. The three backs who filled in Friday combined for just 54 yards on 17 carries, meaning Bachmeier will likely remain the focal point of the Cougars' ground game when they face UCF.
The Cougars face No. 2 Notre Dame this week before heading to Orlando, a tough test that could reveal more about how they handle pressure.
Iowa State's Offense Stalled Against BYU's Defense
Iowa State quarterback Jalen Raynor completed 16 of 29 passes but managed just 98 yards through the air. Running back Aiden Flora had a solid night with 86 yards on 17 carries, but it wasn't enough to keep pace with BYU's balanced attack.
The Cyclones will visit the Bounce House on Nov. 20, giving UCF fans a chance to see how the Knights stack up against a team that struggled against BYU's defense.
Pittsburgh's Collapse Shows Vulnerability After UCF Win
No. 25 Pittsburgh blew a 10-0 lead and fell to North Carolina 21-17 Saturday, snapping its season-opening winning streak. Quarterback Holden Geriner threw two interceptions while filling in for an injured Mason Heintschel, stalling drives that could have widened the Panthers' early lead.
North Carolina's Billy Edwards Jr. found Shamar Easter for a 75-yard go-ahead touchdown, the receiver's only catch of the day. The Tar Heels managed just 20 net rushing yards, meaning Pittsburgh's defense did its job, but the offense couldn't close the game.
The Panthers beat UCF 12-7 back in Week 2, allowing just 20 rushing yards in that game as well. Pittsburgh dropped out of the AP Top 25 after the loss.
Houston Keeps Rolling After Comeback Win Over UCF
No. 22 Houston followed up its comeback win over UCF with a dominant 35-16 road victory against Kansas State. Quarterback Conner Weigman connected with tight end Patrick Overmyer eight times for 83 yards, with four of those catches going for touchdowns.
The Cougars also ran for 233 yards, with Re'Shaun Sanford II and Makhi Hughes combining for 168 yards on 34 carries. Kansas State's Avery Johnson completed just 16 of 30 passes for 182 yards, and the Wildcats couldn't keep up.
Houston moved up to No. 20 in the AP Top 25 following the win, cementing its status as a legitimate threat in the conference.
What This Means for UCF's Schedule
UCF's remaining schedule features three ranked opponents in BYU, Houston, and Iowa State, plus a Pittsburgh team looking to bounce back. The Knights have already faced Oklahoma State and Houston, and the lessons from those games will be critical as they prepare for the Cougars.
BYU's reliance on Bachmeier's dual-threat ability, combined with an injured running back room, suggests UCF should focus on containing the quarterback and forcing the Cougars to beat them with their backup running backs. Iowa State's struggles against BYU's defense also highlight the importance of offensive consistency.
With the Oct. 24 showdown in Orlando approaching, UCF fans have a clear picture of what to expect. The Cougars are beatable, but only if the Knights can limit Bachmeier's impact and sustain drives on offense.
This article was adapted from a report originally published on Yahoo Sports.