The Iowa State Cyclones (9-2, 6-2 Big 12) will have the opportunity to bat last in the battle for a spot in the Big 12 Championship game when they take on the Kansas State Wildcats (8-3, 5-3) on Saturday night. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Iowa State is 1 of 3 Big 12 teams that enters Saturday at 9-2 on the season and 6-2 in conference play.
However, the Cyclones control their own destiny. A win over Kansas State would put them in a great spot. Head-to-head wins against teams they're tied with will also put them in if three or four teams remain tied.
These scenarios are far from a foregone conclusion, as Kansas State has the opportunity to play spoiler. The Wildcats once appeared to be the top team in the Big 12, but 2 consecutive losses down the stretch have now left them on the outside looking in.
Iowa State enters as a -2.5 favorite with the over/under sitting at 51.5.
Kansas State vs Iowa State Prediction
- Kansas State vs Iowa State Pick: Kansas State ML +110
My Iowa State vs. Kansas State best bet is on the Wildcats to win outright, with the best line currently available at bet365, according to our live NCAAF odds page.
Kansas State vs Iowa State Odds
| Kansas State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+2.5 -110 | 51.5 -110 / -110 | +115 |
| Iowa State Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-2.5 -110 | 51.5 -110 / -110 | -135 |
- Kansas State vs Iowa State Spread: Kansas State +2.5 (-110) · Iowa State -2.5 (-110)
- Kansas State vs Iowa State Over/Under: 51.5 Points
- Kansas State vs Iowa State Moneyline: Kansas State +115 · Iowa State -135
Kansas State vs Iowa State Preview
Kansas State Wildcats Betting Preview: Pounding the Rock
The Wildcats have a massive edge in this matchup, which will allow them to be in control the whole way. Kansas State runs the ball nearly 54% of the time and has done so with tremendous success this season.
The Wildcats rank sixth in the country in yards per rush, and running back DJ Giddens is a big reason for that. Giddens has been a machine, averaging 6.7 yards per carry while receiving over 17 carries per game.
His production has been spurred by great offensive line play, and the Wildcats should have the edge in the trenches against the Cyclones. Kansas State outranks Iowa State, 32-60, in Line Yards on this side of the ball.
What can amplify the Wildcats' ground game in this matchup is the Cyclones' poor fundamentals. Iowa State ranks 125th in PFF's tackling grades, which could lead to many missed opportunities to bring Giddens down.
Through the air, quarterback Avery Johnson has shown he can burn secondaries that opt to load the box to contain Giddens. That will have to be the case for him in this game, as the Cyclones' secondary has been elite this season.
Look for Kansas State to pound the rock but keep the ISU secondary honest by taking shots from time to time.
Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview: A Lot on the Line
This Iowa State offense is interesting to watch. This has been its most productive year since Brock Purdy and Breece Hall were lining up, as the Cyclones rank 29th in points per game and 22nd in yards per game.
Like the Wildcats, the Cyclones have a slight preference for keeping the ball on the ground, and they do so with a trio of productive running backs. However, their season will rest on the arm of quarterback Rocco Becht.
Becht's ability to stretch the field has put them in this position. Iowa State ranks 26th in yards per pass, and the Kansas State secondary has been susceptible to big plays.
The Wildcats rank 86th in opponent completion percentage, 71st in yards per pass allowe, and 91st in PFF Coverage grade.
So, Becht has the chance to come through. The only thing holding him back could be the amount of time he gets to be on the field.
Kansas State vs Iowa State Matchup Analysis
Toggle the dropdowns below to hide or show how Kansas State and Iowa State match up statistically:
Kansas State Offense vs. Iowa State Defense
 | Offense | Defense |  Edge |
| Rush Success | 31 | 85 | |
| Line Yards | 32 | 60 | |
| Pass Success | 51 | 20 | |
| Havoc | 28 | 69 | |
| Finishing Drives | 49 | 17 | |
| Quality Drives | 61 | 14 | |
Iowa State Offense vs. Kansas State Defense
| Offense | Defense | Edge |
| Rush Success | 102 | 3 | |
| Line Yards | 97 | 16 | |
| Pass Success | 54 | 60 | |
| Havoc | 29 | 45 | |
| Finishing Drives | 46 | 27 | |
| Quality Drives | 9 | 34 | |
Pace of Play / Other
| | |
| PFF Tackling | 74 | 125 |
| PFF Coverage | 91 | 10 |
| Special Teams SP+ | 13 | 45 |
| Middle 8 | 51 | 64 |
| Seconds per Play | 27.3 (69) | 27.6 (77) |
| Rush Rate | 54% (49) | 53% (63) |
Kansas State vs Iowa State Pick & Prediction
The only movement we've seen this week has been in support of Kansas State, as it has been backed off the key number of three. The Wildcats are the better team here and are just as motivated as Iowa State is to win this matchup.
I have no interest in taking them at +2.5, although +3 would be a different story. With the line at 2.5, the best way to back them is on the moneyline.
Pick: Kansas State ML +110
Kansas State vs Iowa State Start Time, TV Channel, Location, How to Watch
| Location: | Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA |
| Date: | Saturday, Nov. 30 |
| Kickoff Time: | 7:30 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming: | FOX |
Kansas State hits the road to Ames on Saturday, Nov. 30 to take on Iowa State at 7:30 p.m. ET on FOX.
Kansas State vs Iowa State Betting Trends
Kansas State vs Iowa State Weather
