West Virginia Mountaineers (3-1) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (2-2)
October 3, 2026 12:00 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa State Cyclones -155 / West Virginia Mountaineers 130; Over/Under: 53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate an Iowa State vs West Virginia prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 3rd at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this Week 5 matchup.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 2-2 (0-1) this season after they lost to Utah by a score of 31-17 in their last game. Iowa State trailed 24-3 at halftime, but did win the second half 14-7 in the loss. The Cyclones were out gained by a total of 411-316, went 3-14 on third downs, and lost the turnover battle by a total of 2-0 in the game. Jaylen Raynor threw for 205 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions, while Omari Hayes caught five passes for 55 yards. Aiden Flora rushed 13 times for 54 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, Iowa State defeated Bowling Green by a score of 55-7, but lost to Iowa by a score of 16-13 before that. The Cyclones have scored 30.8 points per game with 164.8 passing yards and 180.5 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 16.0 points against per game this season. Jaylen Raynor has thrown for 639 yards with five touchdowns and three interceptions this season.
West Virginia Mountaineers Betting Preview
The West Virginia Mountaineers are 3-1 (0-1) this year after they lost to Oklahoma State by a score of 41-24 last week. West Virginia led 14-13 at halftime and 24-21 in the third, but they allowed the last 20 points for the tough loss. The Mountaineers were out gained by a total of 609-467, went 9-17 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at one in the game. Michael Hawkins Jr threw for 132 yards and one interception, while DJ Epps caught two passes for 39 yards. Cam Cook rushed 29 times for 193 yards in the loss.
Prior to that game, West Virginia defeated Virginia by a score of 38-27 and UT Martin by a score of 52-7. The Mountaineers have scored 36.3 points per game with 165.8 passing yards and 294.8 rushing yards per game, while they have allowed 24.8 points against per game this season. Michael Hawkins Jr has thrown for 609 yards with five touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 425 yards and nine scores this year.
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Iowa State has won eight of its last nine home games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- West Virginia has lost each of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in five of its last six games against West Virginia.
- West Virginia has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has won the first half in 11 of its last 12 games as a favorite against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the West Virginia Mountaineers will win
- West Virginia has won three of its last four October games as a road underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has lost three of its last four home games against conference opponents.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four games in October.
- West Virginia has covered the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog.
- West Virginia has won the first half in each of its last four games.
- West Virginia has won the first quarter in each of its last five games against non-AP-ranked teams.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of West Virginia’s last eight road games against conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
- Six of the last seven games between West Virginia and Iowa State have gone UNDER the total points line.
Iowa State Cyclones Player Prop Facts
- Heading into Week 5, Cameron Pettaway ranks 11th amongst FBS players for kick return yards (191) this season.
West Virginia Mountaineers Player Prop Facts
- Cam Cook has recorded 50+ rushing yards in 17 consecutive games – longest streak in the FBS, heading into Week 5.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q3 opponent points per game this season (0.0).
- Iowa State ranks T1st among FBS teams for red zone percentage this season (100.0).
- West Virginia ranks 4th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (294.8).
- West Virginia ranks 133rd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (282.3).
Iowa State vs West Virginia Prediction
Iowa State comes into this matchup after a tough game against Utah last week, but they will have the home field advantage here. The Cyclones have struggled against Utah and Iowa, as they are both tough defenses, but West Virginia is a very average defensive team. The Mountaineers allowed 41 points last week, but their offense is very dangerous. I think we are going to see plenty of scoring from each side in this one, so I will take the over in this spot.
