It’s a clash of unbeatens in the Big 12 on Saturday, as the 14th-ranked Iowa State Cyclones aim for a 5-0 start while hosting the 3-0 Arizona Wildcats.
Arizona opens its conference slate as a 6.5-point road underdog in the college football odds and will have to contend with a true home-field test at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames.
Below, we're running down our best Arizona vs. Iowa State predictions, along with other betting options to consider for your college football picks for Saturday, September 27.
Arizona vs Iowa State prediction
Arizona vs Iowa State best bet: Under 48.5 (-110)
The Arizona Wildcats currently stand in a second-place tie in scoring defense in the Big 12, allowing just 8.7 points per game, alongside UCF.
The Iowa State Cyclones are not far behind, ranking seventh and surrendering just 14.3 points per contest.
The Cyclones have shown an ability to grind teams to a halt. After surrendering 21 points in a Week 0 win over Kansas State in Dublin, ISU has been even more stingy stateside.
They've held South Dakota, Iowa, and Arkansas State to 16 points or less.
Arizona was gangbusters out of the gate, dropping back-to-back 40+ bombs over both Hawaii and Weber State.
When they leveled up against Kansas State (a nonconference game played by two Big 12 teams, but a matchup agreed to when Arizona was still in the Pac 12), they produced a season-low 23 points in the win.
The Wildcats have gone Under the total in back-to-back games, the same as the Cyclones, and this has the makings of an old-school slug fest.
Arizona vs Iowa State same-game parlay
It's been an up-and-down passing season for ISU junior QB Rocco Becht. He's coming off a win over Arkansas State, throwing for 265 yards with a TD and an interception.
He's alternated between 260+ and sub-185 yards in each of the four games this season, and Arizona has a defense that can keep that trend continuing.
In their toughest test of the year to date, Arizona held K-State's Avery Johnson to just 88 yards passing on 29 attempts. It's by far his lowest output of the year.
Ismail Mahdi broke out big time against Kansas State, carrying 22 times for 189 yards. The only thing missing was a trip to the endzone, a place Mahdi hasn't visited in two straight games.
He should get a chance in this one, as the Wildcats should want to establish the run game early and often against the Cyclones' defense.
Arizona vs Iowa State 3-leg SGP
- Under 48.5
- Rocco Becht Under 235.5 passing yards
- Ismail Mahdi anytime touchdown
Our deep-ball SGP: Firing Fifita!
It's been an up-and-down passing season for Becht. He's coming off a win over Arkansas State, throwing for 265 yards with a TD and an interception. He's alternated between 260+ and sub-185 yards in each of the four games this season, and Arizona has a defense that can keep that trend continuing.
Mahdi broke out big time against Kansas State, carrying 22 times for 189 yards. The only thing missing was a trip to the endzone, a place Mahdi hasn't visited in two straight games.
Arizona vs Iowa State 5-leg SGP
- Under 48.5
- Rocco Becht Under 235.5 passing yards
- Ismail Mahdi anytime touchdown
- Noah Fifita Over 1.5 touchdown passes
- Carson Hansen Under 67.5 rushing yards
Arizona vs Iowa State game predictions
Arizona vs Iowa State moneyline prediction
Arizona is just one win away from matching its entire total from last season, so this recent run of success might be a nice segment of a program in a rebuild.
I think that will show on Saturday, as Iowa State has been a tough place to take victories: the Cyclones have won eight of their last nine home games.
Arizona vs Iowa State spread prediction
And yet, I somehow think that Arizona is going to be able to compete on the road, despite failing to cover away from home in four of their last five games.
Iowa State isn't exactly a cover machine. Despite that lengthy win streak with one loss in nine home games, they are only 5-3-0 ATS.
The Wildcats have been a cover darling this season, boasting a perfect 3-0-0 record.
Arizona has the tools on defense to keep this one close, ranking 13th in the country against the pass (conceding just 126.3 yards per game) and 30th against the rush (96 ypg).
On the other side, the Wildcats should be able to pound the rock in the run game, as ISU's rush defense is average, allowing 121 yards per contest.
Arizona vs Iowa State Over/Under prediction
The Wildcats have gone under the total in back-to-back games, just like the Cyclones, and this has the makings of an old-school slugfest.
Arizona vs Iowa State odds
- Spread: Arizona +6.5 (-110) | Iowa State -6.5 (-110)
- Moneyline: Arizona +200 | Iowa State -250
- Over/Under: Over 48.5 (-110) | Under 48.5 (-110)
Arizona vs Iowa State trend to know
The Wildcats' last 10 September games have all gone Under the total. Find more college football betting trends for Arizona vs Iowa State.
How to watch Arizona vs Iowa State
| Location | Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA |
| Date | Saturday, September 27, 2025 |
| Kickoff | 7:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Arizona vs Iowa State latest injuries
Arizona vs Iowa State weather
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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