Iowa State vs UCF Prediction 10-19-24 College Football Picks
UCF Knights (3-3) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (6-0)
October 19, 2024 7:30 pm EDT
The Line: Iowa State Cyclones -14 / UCF Knights +14; Over/Under: +48.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate an Iowa State vs UCF prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, October 19th at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week eight matchup.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 6-0 (3-0) this year after they defeated West Virginia by a score of 28-16 last week. Iowa State trailed 7-0 in the first quarter, but they led 14-10 at the half, before pulling away in the fourth quarter. The Cyclones out gained WVU by a total of 394-354, won the turnover battle 2-0, and went 9-14 on third down in the game. Rocco Becht threw for 265 yards and one touchdown, while Carson Hansen rushed for 96 yards and three scores.
Iowa State has also defeated North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, and Baylor during their undefeated start. The Iowa State offense has scored 30.7 points per game with 247.8 passing yards and 174.3 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 11 points against per game this season. The Cyclones have gone 48.7% on third down and 5-6 on fourth down through six games. Rocco Becht has completed 66.5% of his passes for 1,438 yards, 10 touchdowns, and three interceptions, while Jaylin Noel has caught 29 passes for 528 yards and three scores.
UCF Knights Betting Preview
The UCF Knights are 3-3 (1-2) this season after they lost to Cincinnati by a score of 19-13 in their last game. UCF trailed 10-3 at halftime, but they did tie the game at 10, before allowing Cincinnati to pull away. The Knights out gained Cincinnati by a total of 397-338, tied the turnover battle at two, and went 5-13 on third down in the game. Jacurri Brown threw for 207 yards and one touchdown, while RJ Harvey rushed for 94 yards on 17 carries.
UCF has also lost to Colorado and Florida during this losing streak, but they did start the year with three wins over New Hampshire, Sam Houston, and TCU. The UCF offense has scored 30.7 points per game with 205.8 passing yards and 268 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 23.7 points against per game this season. The Knights have gone 45.8% on third down and 7-15 on fourth down so far this season. The UCF quarterback situation is up in the air, so we could see KJ Jefferson or Jacurri Brown under center.
Why Iowa State will cover
- Iowa State has won each of its last six games.
- UCF has lost each of its last five games in October.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in seven of its last eight games in October.
- UCF has failed to cover the spread in four of its last five games in October.
- Iowa State has won the first half in each of its last three games against conference opponents.
Total Points Facts
- Four of UCF’s last five games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Four of Iowa State’s last five home games in October have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa State ranks T1st among FBS teams for Q4 opponent points per game this season (2.2).
- Iowa State ranks 4th among FBS teams for H2 opponent points per game this season (4.3).
- UCF ranks 4th among FBS teams for Q3 points per game this season (12.0).
- UCF ranks 4th among FBS teams for rushing yards per game this season (268.0).
Iowa State vs UCF Prediction
Iowa State rolls into this game looking for their seventh win in a row to start the season and they are now ranked in the top 10. The Cyclones have won their last four games by double-digits and they have allowed 44 points in those four wins. UCF is trying to snap a three game losing streak and they need to find their offense, as they have only scored 13 points in each of their last two games. UCF has the ability to be explosive, but this Iowa State defense is very good and I don’t trust the Knights to fix their offense here. Take Iowa State at home.