Cincinnati Bearcats (5-3) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (7-1)
November 16, 2024 2:33 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa State Cyclones -8 / Cincinnati Bearcats +8; Over/Under: +53.5
(Get latest betting odds)
The Cincinnati Bearcats and the Iowa State Cyclones will meet on Saturday in college football action from Jack Trice Stadium. Here’s an Iowa State vs Cincinnati prediction. We will look at this from a betting perspective and determine the best Iowa State vs Cincinnati pick.
Cincinnati Bearcats Betting Preview
Cincinnati was able to win three of their first four games this year, taking out Towson, Miami-OH, and Houston along the way. The Bearcats would go 2-2 over their next four with wins over UCF and Arizona State sandwiched between losses to Texas Tech and Colorado.
In the West Virginia game on Saturday, the Bearcats gave up 17 points in the second quarter and ultimately fell to a 31-24 loss. QB Brendan Sorsby finished with 279 yards, one TD, and a pick. Corey Kiner was the leading rusher with 91 yards and a TD on 25 carries.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
Over on the Iowa State side, they won their first seven outings over North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, Baylor, West Virginia, and UCF. The Cyclones took their first loss on November 2 versus Texas Tech in a tough 23-22 outcome.
In last weekend’s matchup versus Kansas, the Cyclones were down 31-13 by the break and eventually lost a shocker 45-36. Rocco Becht finished with 383 yards, three scores, and an interception. Jaylin Noel caught two TDs among his eight grabs for 167 yards.
Why the Iowa State Cyclones will win
- Iowa State has won six of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams at Jack Trice Stadium.
- Cincinnati has lost five of its last six games in November.
- Cincinnati has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
Why the Cincinnati Bearcats will win
- Iowa State has lost five of its last six November games as a favorite.
- Cincinnati has won seven of its last eight November road games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in each of its last four home games in November.
- The underdog has covered the spread in each of Iowa State’s last three games.
- Cincinnati has won the first quarter in six of its last seven games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Seven of Iowa State’s last eight home games in November have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Cincinnati’s last five November games as a road underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Iowa State vs Cincinnati Prediction
I’ll lean toward Iowa State. The Cyclones need a good bounce-back effort, though. In their loss to Kansas, Iowa State gave up 532 yards (237 rushing), 7.6 yards per play, 25 first downs, and 7-of-13 on third-down tries. The Cyclones mustered just 4-of-11 on third downs themselves and held the ball for only 24:43 of game time.
As for Cincinnati, they held West Virginia in check with 248 yards (156 passing), 10 first downs and 3-of-11 on third down tries. Three turnovers (two fumbles) really torpedoed the Bearcats’ momentum, though. I like both teams to clean up their act this weekend, but if Iowa State plays to their capabilities the Cyclones should have the cover in hand.
