Iowa State Cyclones (6-5) vs. Kansas State Wildcats (8-3)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State Wildcats 11/25/23 – The Iowa State Cyclones (6-5) will face off against the Kansas State Wildcats (8-3) in a Big 12 conference clash on Saturday in college football action. This late-season match could have major bowl implications, making it a must-watch for fans and bettors alike. Read onward for insights, analysis and predictions for Saturday’s college football match prediction.
The Cyclones offense has been held back by uneven play this season. QB Rocco Becht has put up solid cumulative numbers but has completed just 63.4% of his passes while tossing 8 interceptions. The run game has also lacked consistency behind lead back Eli Sanders. However, the offense has playmakers like Sanders and WR Jayden Higgins who could catch fire at any time. If Iowa State can put together one of their better offensive performances, they have enough talent to challenge the Wildcats.
Kansas State’s success has been spearheaded by QB Will Howard, who has terrorized opposing defenses all year both as a passer and scrambler. Howard has passed for over 2,300 yards and 23 touchdowns while adding nearly 300 yards and 2 scores on the ground. He leads an offense that features dynamic RB DJ Giddens and explosive wideout Phillip Brooks. This unit has overwhelmed opponents for long stretches this season. If the experienced Howard can avoid the occasional rough patch, expect Kansas State to put points up on the board.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State Wildcats 11/25/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Bill Snyder Family Stadium |
| TV: | FOX |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Rocco Becht QB vs. Will Howard QB
Becht has shown flashes of promise in his first year leading the Cyclones. The young quarterback has put up solid numbers including over 2,400 yards and 17 touchdowns. However, he has struggled with efficiency at times, completing just 63.4% of his passes. Becht has also had issues with turnovers, tossing 8 interceptions. He possesses impressive arm strength but still needs to improve his decision-making and poise under pressure. If Becht can limit mistakes, his big-play ability could help Iowa State pull off the upset.
Howard has taken his game to another level during his senior campaign. The dual-threat QB has terrorized opposing defenses both through the air and on the ground this season. Howard has passed for over 2,300 yards and 23 touchdowns while completing 63.1% of his attempts. He has also added nearly 300 rushing yards and 2 additional scores as a scrambler. Howard’s versatility, efficiency and playmaking talent makes him tough to scheme against. He could have another productive outing against the Cyclones defense.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Kansas State Wildcats -375, Total Odds: 45.5
The Wildcats enter the game as 10-point favorites at home. With Kansas State’s success this season and dominance in recent meetings with Iowa State, this line is justified. The Cyclones will need to play one of their best games to keep pace on the road in hostile territory. The total is set at 45.5 points. Given both teams’ defensive strengths, the under looks like a strong play here. Neither offense is explosive enough to expect a shootout in poor late-November conditions.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
The Cyclones have been solid against the spread recently, going 4-2 ATS over their last 6 contests. Iowa State has also gone under the total in 14 of their last 19 matchups. While the Cyclones have played better football down the stretch, they have continued to struggle against Kansas State. Iowa State is just 3-12 straight up in their last 15 meetings with the Wildcats. The Cyclones are also 4-9 straight up over their last 13 road games.
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Trends
The Wildcats enter this matchup on a roll, winning 5 straight games both SU and ATS. The K-State defense has been exceptional all season and particularly dominant over this stretch, holding four of their last six opponents under 20 points. Kansas State has also rewarded bettors at home, covering the spread in 7 consecutive home contests. When hosting Iowa State specifically, the Wildcats have won 8 of the last 9 meetings straight up. Kansas State’s staunch defense and home field advantage give them a significant edge in this Big 12 showdown.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Kansas State Wildcats 11/25/23 Betting Picks
The betting trends and stats paint a clear picture for Saturday’s matchup between these Big 12 rivals. Kansas State has dominated this series at home in recent years and comes into the game as one of the hottest teams in college football. The Wildcats have the defensive personnel to bottle up Becht and the Iowa State offense. Meanwhile, Howard should lead several productive drives against a spotty Cyclones defense. For handicapping insights, the smartest wager looks to be Kansas State covering the spread in a comfortable win on their home field.
Free Pick and Prediction: Kansas State Wildcats 31, Iowa State Cyclones 17