Iowa State Cyclones (3-0) vs. Houston Cougars (1-3)
September 28, 2024 3:33 pm EDT
The Line: Houston Cougars +12.5 / Iowa State Cyclones -12.5; Over/Under: +43
(Get latest betting odds)
The Iowa State Cyclones and the Houston Cougars meet Saturday in college football action from TDECU Stadium. Here’s a Houston vs Iowa State prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Houston vs Iowa State pick.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
In their 2024 season opener the Cyclones took on North Dakota. Iowa State didn’t have much trouble in that one with a 21-3 win, and followed it up with a stellar 20-19 win over Iowa on September 7 to move to 2-0 overall.
On Saturday versus Arkansas State, the Cyclones managed double-digit points in three of four quarters during a 52-7 victory. Rocco Becht posted 204 passing yards with two scores and an interception. Carson Hansen rushed nine times for 58 yards and two TDs.
Houston Cougars Betting Preview
Over on the Cougars’ side, they kicked off their season with consecutive losses. Houston fell to UNLV 27-7 in their opener, then lost a tough one to Oklahoma 16-12 in game two. The Cougars powered out a 33-7 win over Rice on September 14 for their first success of the year.
Last weekend versus Cincinnati, Houston faced a 24-0 deficit by halftime and limped to a 34-0 shutout loss. Donovan Smith threw for just 73 yards and an interception, while Re’Shaun Sanford rushed six times for 62 yards.
Houston vs Iowa State Prediction
I’m leaning toward Iowa State. The Cyclones made short work of Arkansas State last weekend, posting 490 total yards (237 rushing) and 25 first downs. The two turnovers (both interceptions) didn’t help, but the defense had few issues with 182 total yards (118 passing) allowed alongside just 12 first downs.
As for Houston, they couldn’t get much going at all versus Cincinnati. The Cougars had just 233 yards (92 passing), 12 first downs, seven penalties and three turnovers in the shutout loss. I like Houston to look better in this one but I don’t think they’ll cover if Iowa State plays to their capabilities.
