The Iowa State Cyclones and the Houston Cougars will 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.
Why the Houston Cougars will win
- The home team has won each of Houston’s last three games.
- Houston has covered the spread in each of its last five September games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five September games as a road favorite.
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Houston has lost seven of its last eight games against AP-ranked teams at TDECU Stadium.
- Iowa State has won each of its last five road games.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in each of its last four road games against conference opponents.
- Houston has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last nine games against conference opponents at TDECU Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Houston’s last five games have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Each of Iowa State’s last four road games have gone OVER the total points line.
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.