Wildcats Host Cyclones in Big 12 Conference Clash

The Iowa State Cyclones (6-5) visit the Kansas State Wildcats (8-3) in a battle of bowl-eligible teams. A victory will help both teams get into a better bowl game, not to mention give them bragging rights and an edge in recruiting.

The Cyclones have dropped two of their last three games, while the Wildcats are coming off a hard-fought, non-covering effort against rival Kansas. The Iowa State vs Kansas State CFB prediction sees the Wildcats as 10-point favorites, and the total on the game is 47.5.

Cyclones Rely on Defense

The Iowa State Cyclones aren’t the greatest offensive football teams. Iowa State isn’t bad with the football, but it’s not an offensive powerhouse. The Cyclones score 24.8 points against teams allowing 24.3, so they’re average. Iowa State runs the ball for 118.6 yards and throws for 228.1. The team has taken advantage of being +8 in turnovers for the year to put points on the scoreboard.

Iowa State is one of the Big 12 football teams that can play tough defense. The Cyclones allow 20.5 points to teams scoring 25.8 points. The team is solid against the run and the pass and has no real weakness. The Cyclones limit teams to 5.0 yards per play, tied for No. 28 in the country.

Iowa State is 6-5 against the point spread, going 2-3 as an underdog. With a strong defense and an average offense, the Cyclones are 4-7 in totals this season. The Cyclones are at their best when running the ball well. In games Iowa State has had at least 100 rushing yards, the Cyclones are 5-1 straight-up and against the point spread.

Wildcats Off Big Win vs Jayhawks

The Kansas State Wildcats are coming off a massive win against the Jayhawks, rallying from a 27-16 deficit to a 31-27 victory. Kansas State is technically alive for a shot at the Big 12 title game but needs help in the form of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State losses. In all likelihood, that’s not going to happen. So, the Wildcats will try to avoid a letdown, but it may not be easy.

When Kansas State is playing its game, the Wildcats are one of the best teams in college football. The problem is the Wildcats didn’t always play that way.

Kansas State is averaging 38.1 points against teams, allowing 27.2 points. The Wildcats average 200 yards on the ground and through the air, making it difficult for defenses to key in on one aspect of the offense.

On defense, the Wildcats are better against the pass than the run but are decent in both. Kansas State allows 19.3 points to teams averaging 26.8 points, so the defense is getting the job done. That’s helped Kansas State to a 7-3-1 record against the spread this season.

What to Expect

The Cyclones gave Texas a good battle last week before falling short 26-16. Iowa State threw for 323 yards but had just nine rushing yards. That’s not going to win many college football games. Even though the Wildcats can stop the run reasonably well, the Cyclones will try to get the ground game going a bit after last week.

For Kansas State, the Wildcats will continue to mix things up. Iowa State’s defense is good enough to slow them down if they can focus on one aspect of the KSU offense. The Wildcats like to run the ball a little more than they throw it to slow down the pass rush.

Who to Bet On?

The Iowa State vs Kansas State CFB prediction agrees with the point spread, which is holding at KSU -10. The Wildcats are capable of winning by more than two touchdowns when playing well and entirely focused.

But backing a team off a big rivalry win isn’t always the best situation, something many people find out when learning how to bet on college football. KSU may very well cover the spread, but it’s not going to be easy.

The Iowa State vs Kansas State CFB prediction with the most value will be on the total. The number is a bit low for Kansas State, as the Wildcats are 3-0 in totals this season when the number is below 50.

There’s no pressure on either team, as both will be appearing in bowl games, so they may come out and have some fun. Take the over 47.5 for one of your NCAAF picks on Saturday.

For NCAAF standings, college football lines today, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

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