Iowa State Cyclones (4-3) vs. Baylor Bears (3-4)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears 10/28/23 – The upcoming duel between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Baylor Bears at McLane Stadium is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated matchups of Week 9. Both teams come into this face-off with their fair share of wins and losses, and each is hungry for another notch in the victory column. As the football community waits in anticipation, the latest free NCAAF predictions are already stirring conversations among fans and analysts.
Iowa State Cyclones, boasting a modest 4-3 record, have shown promise throughout their season. Running Back Eli Sanders has been particularly impactful with 263 yards rushed at an impressive average of 4.5 per attempt and Jayden Higgins standing out with 438 receiving yards at 19 per reception with potential to be game-changer in key situations.
Baylor Bears should not be underestimated with their 3-4 record; Dominic Richardson has been an overwhelming force in their backfield, amassing 254 rushing yards while Monaray Baldwin has become their go-to receiver, amassing 453 receiving yards with an average reception length of 18.9 yards per catch.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears 10/28/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, October 28, 2023 at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | McLane Stadium |
| TV: | ESP+ |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Rocco Becht QB vs. Blake Shapen QB
Iowa State Cyclones’ quarterback Rocco Becht has had an extraordinary impact this season, amassing 1,464 passing yards with an outstanding 60% completion rate and 12 touchdowns to lead their offensive strategy. Becht’s prowess doesn’t just lie in finding receivers downfield; rather he excels at managing game tempo and handling high-pressure situations as well. Yet it must be noted that his play does have vulnerabilities, with 5 interceptions and being sacked 4 times during games against Baylor’s defensive assault.
Blake Shapen of the Baylor Bears stands out with an unconventional QB profile. Completing 61% of his passes this season and recording zero interceptions speaks to his remarkable patience and accuracy, while 15 sacks indicate some vulnerability for Cyclones’ defensive strategy to exploit during game day – making this duel between Becht and Shapen an essential aspect to watch during this clash between opponents that could decide its outcome.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Iowa State Cyclones -140, Total Odds: 47
The current betting odds tilt slightly in favor of the Cyclones, with a moneyline of -140. However, with a spread of just -2.5 for Iowa State, this game could very well be decided by a field goal, emphasizing the potential for a nail-biter. Bettors should also be aware that while the Cyclones are the favorites, the narrow spread suggests that the bookmakers anticipate a fiercely contested matchup. The total set at 47 indicates that a moderately high-scoring game is expected, perhaps with both teams finding the end zone multiple times.
Iowa State Betting Trends
Iowa State’s recent performance has seen a predominant under trend, with 12 of their last 15 games going UNDER the total. Moreover, their overall performance shows they’ve struggled lately, with a 5-11 SU in their last 16 games. Disturbingly for the Cyclones, their recent history against Baylor is not encouraging – they’re 0-5 ATS in their last 5 matchups against the Bears.
Baylor Bears Betting Trends
Baylor has had its own set of challenges. They stand at 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine games. Their recent matchups have also seen a preference for the UNDER, particularly at home. However, Baylor has been dominant at home against Iowa State, with a commendable 6-1 SU in their last seven home fixtures against the Cyclones.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Baylor Bears 10/28/23 Betting Picks
The stats and trends paint a picture of two teams that could be evenly matched on game day. Both have had their struggles and moments of brilliance throughout the season. While Iowa State’s offense, especially their air attack, is promising, Baylor’s home record against the Cyclones cannot be ignored.
Betting on a close contest might be the wise move here. Given both team’s recent UNDER trends, expecting a lower-scoring affair might be plausible. For those looking for the edge in this matchup, leaning towards Baylor might be the strategic play, especially considering their recent home dominance against Iowa State. Handicapper best expert picks would likely tilt towards a Baylor win in a tight contest.
Free Pick and Prediction: Baylor Bears 24, Iowa State Cyclones 21.