Iowa State Cyclones (3-0) vs. Houston Cougars (1-3)
The undefeated Iowa State Cyclones will head to TDECU Stadium to face the struggling Houston Cougars in an intriguing Week 5 matchup this Saturday night. This game is pivotal as Iowa State looks to maintain their flawless record while Houston aims for redemption after a rocky start to the season. With the Cyclones favored heavily in the betting lines, this game might be a decider for NCAAF winning pick enthusiasts aiming for a secure bet.
The Cyclones have demonstrated extreme capabilities you have to admit about them being 5-0 against the spread in their last five games on the road. This indicates that they are good in hostile places. Important players like Abu Sama III or Jaylin Noel were of great help in this. Sama, the bull-headed runner has 124 rushing yards but most importantly he has a good average of 4.3 yards per carry, doing well for the offense. At the other extreme, Wide Receiver Jaylin Noel is emerging into a big time receiver with 317 yards and an astounding average of 21.1 yards per catch.
As for the Houston Cougars, things have not been rosy as they have posted 1 win and 3 losses. However, running back Re’Shaun Sanford II and receiver Joseph Manjack IV have at least put their hand up once or twice. The running back has 166 yards this season per appearance which is good and pushing at 5.2 yards per attempt sanctioning that he can run past tough defense units. On the other hand, Manjack has recorded 146 yards in receiving m making him a dependable receiver for this team.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TDECU Stadium |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Rocco Becht QB vs. Donovan Smith QB
Rocco Becht, a quarterback from Iowa State, has impressed in the current season showing off his skills for 743 passing yards with 68.4% accuracy and six touchdowns. He has a very impressive passer rating of 167.4 which coupled with his excellent ball security makes him a great addition to the Cyclones’ offense as he carries the team forward with few mistakes. Becht’s skill at delivering in high stakes situations will be imperative as he will be up against a struggling but capable Houston defense.
Alternatively, Houston’s Donovan Smith has had it a bit more difficult, averaging only 65.3% in completion percentage and finishing with 610 passing yards so far. This season has not been the best for him since he has also recorded 4 interceptions and been sacked 11 times, which shows some weak points in the Cougars’ offensive line and his judgement under pressure. When the two teams face off, Smith will have to prove masterful against Iowa State’s relentless defence if Houston are to stand a chance to overcome the odds.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Iowa State Cyclones -650, Total Odds: 43
The betting odds are heavily in favor of Iowa State with a -12.5 point spread, suggesting a predicted dominance against Houston. With the total set at 43, and considering the offensive capabilities of both teams, bettors might lean towards an OVER prediction, aligning with Iowa State’s recent trend.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
The Cyclones have a robust trend of hitting the OVER in four of their last five games, and their consistent cover of spreads on the road makes them a reliable pick against Houston. Their ability to perform under different conditions, especially in September where the OVER has hit in six of their last nine, further bolsters confidence in their gameplay.
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
Contrastingly, Houston has struggled, with the total going UNDER in their last five games, indicating a deficiency in turning games around, particularly against Big 12 opponents where they’ve lost 12 of the last 14 games. This trend suggests a defensive gameplan that, while limiting scorelines, hasn’t translated to wins.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars 9/28/24 Betting Picks
The Cyclones appear poised to continue their winning streak, making them the safer bet in this matchup. Their robust offensive line and solid defensive strategy that adapts well on the road should overpower the Cougars’ inconsistent gameplay. Considering player performances like Jaylin Noel for any time touchdown scorer could add value for those looking at prop bets.
In conclusion, bettors should consider a straightforward victory for Iowa State, with a potential game total going over 43 points. When placing your bets, check out the best websites for the latest odds and potential promotions to maximize your returns.
