Advanced Analytics Insights on No. 11 BYU vs. Iowa State
The No. 11 BYU Cougars are preparing for an away game against Iowa State following a significant victory over their rival, Utah. As the Cougars strive to maintain their undefeated status, they aim to avoid a potential setback, reminiscent of last year’s loss to Kansas. Meanwhile, Iowa State has faced two consecutive losses and is coming off a bye week, making them a slight favorite in this matchup.
Game Overview: BYU vs. Iowa State
As of Tuesday, oddsmakers designated Iowa State as a 3.5-point favorite. Advanced analytics provide a mixed view on this prediction. While some models lean towards BYU, others show less confidence.
Analytics and Predictions
- BCFToys: Offers BYU a 55.5% chance to win with a projected score of 25.4-23.5.
- BYU Rankings: 21st nationally in overall ranking, with a defensive efficiency ranking of 15th and an offensive ranking of 29th.
- Iowa State Rankings: 31st overall, with an offensive ranking of 40th and a defensive ranking of 30th.
- SP+ Predictions: Estimates BYU has a 58% chance to win with a final score of 27-23, ranking BYU 20th, noted for strong defense and special teams.
- FPI Analysis: Estimates a 54% chance of a BYU victory.
- CFB Graphs: Less optimistic, giving BYU a 44.7% chance of winning, projecting a score of 23-26 in favor of Iowa State.
Quality Drive Metrics
Quality drive rate is a crucial statistic to monitor during this matchup. This metric indicates the percentage of drives that reach the opponent’s 40-yard line.
- BYU Offense: Ranks 13th nationally in quality drive rate.
- Iowa State Defense: Ranks 36th in quality drive rate allowed.
- Iowa State Offense: Ranks 19th in quality drive rate.
- BYU Defense: Ranks 43rd in quality drive rate allowed.
On scoring efficiency, both teams struggle to convert quality drives into touchdowns. BYU ranks 83rd in points scored per quality drive, while Iowa State is close behind at 84th. Notably, BYU’s red zone scoring has shown improvement recently, potentially giving them an edge.
Conclusion
The BYU Cougars’ ability to handle quality drives and capitalize on scoring opportunities will be pivotal in this clash against Iowa State. With various predictions pointing in different directions, the outcome remains uncertain, promising an intriguing matchup for football fans.
