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Today's top games to watch, best bets, odds: No. 8 BYU vs. Iowa State, No. 20 Iowa at Washington, NHL and more

The Big 12’s title race is heating up as BYU, now ranked No. 8 nationally, looks to build momentum with a home matchup against Iowa State on Thursday.

The Cougars, led by a defense that has yet to face a ranked opponent, enter the game as 10.5-point favorites after a 4-0 start (2-0 in conference play). Their star running back, LJ Martin, is sidelined for four to six weeks with a lower-body injury, adding pressure to a team already eyeing a rematch with Texas Tech in the conference championship.

Meanwhile, Iowa State’s Aiden Flora, who earned AP National Player of the Week honors after a 212-yard, five-touchdown performance in a 45-42 win over West Virginia, will look to keep the Cyclones’ offense rolling against BYU’s stout defense.

Beyond the college football showdown, Friday’s slate includes four NHL games and a partial college football schedule, offering betting opportunities across multiple sports. The BYU-Iowa State game, however, stands out as the marquee event, with the Cougars’ next challenge looming just a week later—a home date with No.

3 Notre Dame, a matchup that could define their season.

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Game thread: Iowa State football versus No. 8 BYU