For the second time in recent years, Iowa State landed a spot in the AutoZone Liberty Bowl. Specifically on December 29 with a matchup against Memphis. Iowa State will play in its sixth bowl game under head coach Matt Campbell. Cause by the amount of support the Cyclone fanbase showed back in 2017, Iowa State started to become the favorite among Big 12 schools. The College Football Betting love between Iowa State and the atmosphere in Memphis extends down to the coaching staff. Indeed, it’s a match made in Heaven.
Liberty Bowl Memphis vs. Iowa State NCAAF Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Friday, December 29, 2023, 3:30 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Simmons Liberty Bank StESPNadium, Memphis, TN. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Memphis | +8½ -110 | 57½ -110 | +265 |  |
| Iowa State | -8½ -110 | 57½ -110 | -330 | |
| ||||
Liberty Bowl Format
The Liberty Bowl began in 1959, and the matchup currently features schools from the SEC and Big 12. Specifically, This game takes place in Memphis, Tennessee, and is played in December or January.
Liberty Bowl Recent Results
To summarize, Arkansas has the most appearances in this game with six but owns a losing record at 2-4. The Ole Miss Rebels have captured the most Liberty Bowl victories, winning all four postseason visits to Memphis.
In 2020, West Virginia scored a 24-21 upset of the Army as the Mountaineers’ defense was able to contain the Army option. Namely, TJ Simmons caught two touchdown passes for the Mounties to earn MVP honors. Army is a respected program that went on to bigger things in 2021.
There have been some big names that have won the MVP Award in past Liberty Bowl games. Including Dak Prescott, Shaun King, Bo Jackson, Doug Flutie, and Ricky Bell. In 2022, Arkansas won a 3-overtime sports betting thriller over Kansas 55-53.
Liberty Bowl Past Winners
The Ole Miss Rebels took full advantage of being nearby. Hence, that made them an attractive invitee to the Liberty Bowl, where they have posted four wins. However, the Rebels have not played in this bowl since 1992.
Liberty Bowl Matchup
Last game, the Memphis Tigers won 45-21 against the Temple Owls as 13-point road favorites. The game went over the College Football Betting total of 64. Memphis has a record of 9-3 straight up, 4-7-1 against the spread, and 10-2 over/under the total. Memphis ranks 20th for total offense, 13th for passing, 77th for rushing, and 7th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 114th overall, 114th against the pass, 101st against the rush, and 93rd for points allowed. Also, Memphis ranks 39th for fewest turnovers lost and 52nd for takeaways.
Last game, Iowa State won 42-35 against the Kansas State Wildcats as 10-point road dogs. The game went over the total of 46. Iowa State has a record of 7-5 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 5-7 over/under the total. Iowa State ranks 88th for total offense, 62nd for passing, 98th for rushing, and 74th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 41st overall, 55th against the pass, 38th against the rush, and 34th for points allowed. Also, Iowa State ranks 11th for fewest turnovers lost and 9th for takeaways.
The 2017 Liberty Bowl was Campbell’s first bowl game under Iowa State. And he brought his first trophy to Ames with the 21-20 win over the Tigers.
Liberty Bowl Prediction
In this situation, Iowa State brings the better team from the superior league at a good price.