Iowa State Cyclones (10-3) vs. Miami Hurricanes (10-2)
December 28, 2024 3:30 pm EDT
The Line: Miami Hurricanes -3.5 / Iowa State Cyclones -3.5; Over/Under: +55.5
(Get latest betting odds)
In this article we will formulate a Miami vs Iowa State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, December 28th at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. Let’s take a look at the prediction for the Pop-Tarts Bowl.
Miami Hurricanes Betting Preview
The Miami Hurricanes are 10-2 (6-2) this season after they lost to Syracuse by a score of 42-38 in their last game. Miami led 21-0 in the second quarter, but they couldn’t hold the lead and ended up losing in the fourth. The Hurricanes out gained Syracuse by a total of 503-479, tied the turnover battle at one, and went 6-11 on third down in the game. Cam Ward threw for 349 yards and two touchdowns, while Xavier Restrepo caught nine passes for 148 yards and one score in the game.
Miami also has a loss against Georgia Tech, while picking up wins against Florida, FAMU, Ball State, South Florida, Virginia Tech, Cal, Louisville, Florida State, Duke, and Wake Forest. The Miami offense has scored 44.5 points per game with 359.3 passing yards and 179 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 23.9 points against per game this season. Cam Ward has completed 67.4% of his passes for 4,123 yards, 36 touchdowns, and seven interceptions, while Damien Martinez has rushed for 823 yards and nine scores this year.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 10-3 (7-2) this year after they lost to Arizona State by a score of 45-19 in their last game. Iowa State was tied at 10 in the second quarter, but they allowed the next 35 points in the loss. The Cyclones were out gained by a total of 467-341, lost the turnover battle 3-0, and went 7-14 on third down in the game. Rocco Becht threw for 214 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, while Jayden Higgins caught seven passes for 115 yards in the game.
Iowa State also has losses against Kansas and Texas Tech, while defeating North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, Baylor, West Virginia, UCF, Cincinnati, Utah, and Kansas State. The Iowa State offense has scored 31.2 points per game with 254.6 passing yards and 161.7 rushing yards per game, while the defense has allowed 21.5 points against per game this season. Rocco Becht has completed 59.3% of his passes for 3,235 yards, 22 touchdowns, and nine interceptions, while Carson Hansen has rushed for 670 yards and 11 scores this year.
Why Iowa State will beat Miami
- Miami (FL) has lost each of its last eight games at neutral venues.
- Iowa State has won four of its last five games as an underdog.
- Miami (FL) has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games played at neutral venues.
- Iowa State has covered the spread in four of its last five games as an underdog.
- Miami (FL) has lost the first half in each of its last four games against non-conference opponents at neutral venues.
Total Points Facts
- Each of Iowa State’s last seven December games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
- Five of Miami (FL)’s last six games against non-conference opponents have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Miami (FL) ranks 1st among FBS teams for points per game this season (44.2).
- Miami (FL) ranks 1st among FBS teams for Q4 points per game this season (14.2).
- Iowa State ranks 2nd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage this season (81.0).
- Iowa State ranks 3rd among FBS teams for passing yards allowed per game this season (161.7).
Miami vs Iowa State Prediction
This has the potential to be one of the best bowl games of the year, but I wouldn’t be surprised if some of the big names in this game decide to opt out as we get closer to kick off. Miami had a fantastic season and their offense was elite, but they were tripped up by Syracuse to end the regular season. If Ward does play, you can expect Miami to score well into the 30’s, but if he doesn’t, it could be a struggle for the Hurricanes. Iowa State also had a very solid season, but they were blown out in the Big 12 Championship game. I really don’t like either defense in this matchup, but I am going to take the points with Iowa State. I think this game will mean more to the Cyclones and I just can’t back this Miami defense. Take Iowa State here.
