Baylor Bears (2-3) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (4-0)
October 5, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa State Cyclones -11.5 / Baylor Bears +11.5; Over/Under: +45.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate an Iowa State vs Baylor prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 5th at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week six matchup.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 4-0 (1-0) this year after they defeated Houston by a score of 20-0 last week. Iowa State led 10-0 at halftime and they continued their shutout in the second half for the win. The Cyclones out gained Houston by a total of 393-243, won the turnover battle 3-0, and went 9-17 on third down in the game. Rocco Becht threw for 153 yards and one touchdown, while Abu Sama III rushed for 101 yards and one score on 11 carries.
Iowa State has also defeated North Dakota, Iowa, and Arkansas State to open the season. The Iowa State offense has scored 29.8 points per game with 236.3 passing yards and 163 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 7.3 points against per game this season. The Cyclones have gone 42.3% on third down and 2-2 on fourth down through four games. Rocco Becht has completed 66.4% of his passes for 896 yards, seven touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Jaylin Noel has caught 19 passes for 353 yards and two scores.
Baylor Bears Betting Preview
The Baylor Bears are 2-3 (0-2) this season after they lost to BYU by a score of 34-28 in their last game. Baylor trailed 28-7 in the second quarter and 31-14 at halftime, but they nearly completed a great comeback in the fourth quarter. The Bears out gained BYU by a total of 387-367, won the turnover battle 3-2, and went 3-13 on third down in the game. Sawyer Robertson threw for 324 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Josh Cameron caught seven passes for 125 yards and two scores.
Baylor has also lost to Utah and Colorado this season, but they do have two wins against Tarleton State and Air Force. The Baylor offense has scored 29.4 points per game with 222.6 passing yards and 146.2 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 20.2 points against per game this season. The Bears have gone 39.4% on third down and 9-17 on fourth down so far this season. Sawyer Robertson has completed 60.2% of his passes for 787 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, while Josh Cameron has caught 16 passes for 267 yards and three scores.
Why Baylor will cover
- Baylor has won three of its last four October games against Iowa State.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Baylor’s last four games at Jack Trice Stadium.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in three of its last four games at Jack Trice Stadium.
Total Points Facts
- Nine of Baylor’s last 10 games as an underdog against AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Seven of Iowa State’s last eight home games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa State ranks 2nd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (102.5).
- Iowa State ranks 4th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (7.3).
- Baylor ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (1.4).
- Baylor ranks T8th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (4.0).
Iowa State vs Baylor Prediction
Iowa State comes into this matchup looking for their fifth straight win to start the season, but this will not be an easy game like their last two. Baylor has lost two games in a row, but they have a decent offense and should have beaten Colorado two weeks ago. Iowa State’s defense has not allowed more than 19 points in any of their games so far, but I do think Baylor will be able to throw the ball around. Iowa State is a solid team, but I don’t think they have shown me enough to be about a two touchdown favorite against a decent team. Take Baylor and the points.
