Iowa State Cyclones (3-0) vs. Houston Cougars (1-3)
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars September 28 2024 – The approaching battle that is set to take place at TDECU Stadium on a chilly fall day is expected to be exciting, given that the undefeated Iowa State Cyclones take to the field against the struggling Houston Cougars. This Week 5 clash in college athletics looks into diverse stories at the beginning of the season but also some very interesting and approachable betting options pieces that can be found over at trusted betting sites.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars September 28 2024 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 28, 2024 at 7:00 PM ET |
| Where: | TDECU Stadium |
| TV: | FS1 |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Iowa State Cyclones | -550 | -13.5 (-110) | 43.5 Over -105 |
| Houston Cougars | +425 | +13.5 (-110) | 43.5 Under -115 |
The Cyclones enter as heavy favorites with a -13.5 point spread, reflecting their robust start to the season. Betting trends lean towards an offensive showdown, with Iowa State’s games trending over the total in four of their last five matchups.
Rocco Becht QB vs. Donovan Smith QB
Rocco Becht of Iowa State has not only demonstrated efficiency, but efficiency as well this season, going 68.4% for 743 yards and 6 touchdowns without throwing an interception. His previously unseen deep ball ability proved to be a big asset of the Cyclones. Under him, the Cyclones have managed to stay undefeated so far, which is no small feat.
On the other hand, Donovan Smith of Houston seems to have an inconsistent season. Though such a completion rate of 65.3% is reasonable enough, the passing yardage of 610 with four interceptions tells a story that most of the season was spent under extreme pressure. 11 sacks bear witness to this. The struggle this Saturday will determine the ability of the Cougars to be competitive against a very tough Cyclone defense.
While Becht and Smith are preparing for a showdown, their seasons could not be more different, and this sets the stage for an important quarterback battle. Becht en route to an explosive predominance of play, while Smith, in the fight for his pride and satisfaction, can, with the desired goal, turn the game into a lather of the fight and pressure. Their side-by-side going over the match will more than likely highlight critical highlights of a match which would determine the result at the end.
Iowa State Rushing and Receiving
Iowa State’s ground game, led by Abu Sama III, and aerial threats like Jaylin Noel form a versatile offense. Sama’s ability to carve out yards on the ground complements Noel’s deep-threat capability, averaging 21.1 yards per reception. This dual threat can exploit any lapses in Houston’s defensive coverage, making them key players to watch.
Houston’s Ground and Aerial Response
Houston, on the other hand, relies on Re’Shaun Sanford II’s robust rushing average of 5.2 yards per carry, needing him to break through the Cyclone’s defensive line. Joseph Manjack IV, with his ability to make significant receptions, must step up to give the Cougars a fighting chance against a tight Cyclone defense.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Trends
Iowa State’s recent ATS record is impressive, especially on the road, where they are 5-0 ATS in their last five outings. This trend, coupled with their tendency to push games over the total, makes them a formidable team for bettors leaning towards high-scoring affairs.
Houston Cougars Betting Trends
Conversely, Houston has found themselves on the other end of the spectrum, struggling to cover spreads and consistently staying under the point total. Their poor record against Big 12 teams (2-12 SU) further complicates their outlook for an upset.
Iowa State Cyclones vs. Houston Cougars Betting Previews
The Cyclones are highly likely to extend their dominance following the powerful performances they have on offense and the positive betting trends. However, punters need to pay attention to the high spread as well as how Houston is looking to salvage their season, as this could change things for both teams, especially in the closing minutes of the game.
Lastly, better of the two sides certainly is Iowa State, but this is Colorado, which could make it appealing due to the fact that Houston has a noticeable trend of the games going under. Individual statistics prop bets of players such as Becht and Noel could be of value, too, as they are expected to dominate. If you want to know more about these teams, read other college football previews today.
Score Prediction: Iowa State Cyclones 34, Houston Cougars 17.
