That might seem strange but Iowa State has not scored a touchdown against Iowa since 2006. The Hawkeyes have not allowed a TD to Iowa State in 14 quarters. The 9th ranked Hawkeyes are two touchdown favorites against their instate rivals on Saturday in a game that can be seen on ABC. The Hawkeyes are only 14-point favorites at Sbgglobal on Saturday so Iowa State must be better than we think. The Cyclones did defeat Northern Illinois 27-10 last week but winning against Iowa will be a lot more difficult.
Why is Iowa laying only 14? The Hawkeyes are ranked ninth in the country, they are at home and they are playing rotten Iowa State. Why is this number so low? Iowa routed this team 35-3 last season and there doesn’t appear to be anything different this season. Iowa State averaged just 20.5 points per game last season and they didn’t look that great last week against Northern Illinois even though they scored 27 points.
Iowa State’s Chances – The Hawkeyes have two offensive threats in running back Alexander Robinson and quarterback Austen Arnaud. Last week both players were effective and Arnaud was 27 of 36 passes for 265 yards. It is hugely debatable whether his good night was because of a rotten Northern Illinois team or because he is better this year. Remember that last year he threw four interceptions against Iowa in their 35-3 loss.
Iowa Should Win and Cover – The Hawkeyes have eight starters back on defense from last season and Iowa State couldn’t score against them last year. The Hawkeyes beat Eastern Illinois 37-7 last week and the only TD they gave up was set up by a fake punt.
Here are some trends to consider as you make your college football bet. The Cyclones are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 road games. The Cyclones are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 vs. the Big Ten. The Cyclones are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings at Iowa. The Hawkeyes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. The Hawkeyes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 vs. the Big 12. The Hawkeyes are 1-5 against the college football betting line in their last 6 home games.