Iowa State Cyclones (1-0) vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-0)
Week 2 bodes well for the progress of the collegiate football season, with the Iowa State Cyclones and Iowa Hawkeyes coming out to face off in an in-state rivalry that is as interesting as it gets. Before competition begins, both teams are over-competing on the Kinnick Stadium grass with clean slates, but past achievements and the home ground factor may shift the balance. For anyone wanting to look into the NCAAF picks and predictions, this match is insightful in terms of how the Big Ten and Big 12 conferences are set.
Jaylin Noel is the key performer who led his Cyclones to this game, decoding the rivals’ lines with a remarkable 135 receiving yards last week. His versatility could prove exceptionally instrumental in penetrating the Hawkeyes’ rigid defense. However, the player likely to cause an upset is Abu Sama III, who had very few rushes against the last match but had a whiff of fireworks. With such an average of 7.2 rushing yards on every attempt, Sama may be one of the trump cards if the Cyclones have to grind the game out and manage its pace towards the end.
The Hawkeyes story focuses on Kaleb Johnson and his outstanding 119 rushing yards from the last game, with a long run of 64 yards for a touchdown. He could be the battering ram that Iowa will need to execute its game plan. Reece Vander Zee has shown that he can be depended upon at the tight end position by the two touchdown catches he has made already. His ability to locate weak areas in the red zone coverage may also be helpful against a Cyclone defense that is vulnerable in close games.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 3:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Kinnick Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Rocco Becht QB vs. Cade McNamara QB
Rocco Becht, who has an excellent passing rate of 188.6 in this game with two touchdowns and no interceptions hit, steps into this game full of confidence. Becht’s decisive and accurate throwing, as well as making the right calls, has contributed to the offensive unit of Iowa State. With a hostile crowd at Kinnick Stadium, it will be paramount for Becht to stay calm and take advantage of openings that are only there for a fleeting moment.
On the other hand, Cade McNamara‘s numbers for the hawkeyes look just as impressive as his passer rating of 167.7 includes 3 touchdowns. His strategies and fast thinking skills will be very important, especially for the Cyclones, whose defense might try to mitigate his passing game. Apart from these aspects, McNamara’s past experiences could help out quite a bit, especially in high-pressure games where he is instead composed.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Iowa Hawkeyes -135, Total Odds: 7.5
The betting odds are leaning slightly towards the Hawkeyes, with a spread of -2.5 suggesting a close contest. The total set at 37.5 reflects expectations of a defensively dominant game, typical of early-season encounters as teams find their rhythm.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
Though the Cyclones hold onto an overall winning record, some trends pose a worrying picture, such as their poor 1-7 SU history against Iowa in recent meetings. The Cyclones could have been better when it comes to covering the spread, which suggests that there are problems with the finishing.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
The Hawkeyes have done well lately including in their defense. Only one saw the total go OVER the listed number in their last ten matches. Playing at home has also been great. The team is 7-1 SU in their last 8 games at Kinnick Stadium.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Iowa Hawkeyes 9/7/24 Betting Picks
Heading into this matchup, the historical edge and home-field advantage make Iowa the safer bet, especially given their defensive prowess. However, the Cyclones have shown they can score, and if Becht and Noel sync up early, they could indeed keep it tighter than the spread suggests.
In terms of prop bets, keep an eye on the total points; given both teams’ recent defensive efficiencies, the UNDER might again be a savvy pick. As the game is likely to be tight, consider live betting if the Hawkeyes fall behind early; they have the resilience and tactical nous to turn games around in the second half.
