After a successful debut in Ireland, the 22nd-ranked Iowa State Cyclones are back and will host FCS-level opposition in the South Dakota Coyotes.
The Cyclones are heavy favorites, sitting as a 14.5-point home favorite, but the jetlag factor looms over all – so much so that the books haven't even released a menu of props early into Friday morning.
Let's break down South Dakota vs. Iowa State predictions and college football picks for Saturday, August 30.
South Dakota vs Iowa State prediction
South Dakota vs Iowa State Best bet: Over 47.5 points (-110)
Look, all I know is that in the NFL, teams that play the international game usually take a bye week to get the system back into North American rhythms.
The Iowa State Cyclones don't have that luxury, and they're taking on a team that's a level below them, but pretty stout in their own right.
South Dakota went 11-3 last year, including 7-1 in the Missouri Valley Football Conference.
Throw in the fact that starting QB Aidan Bouman is an ex-Cyclone who transferred to South Dakota in 2022, and that adds some intrigue.
Iowa State averaged 31.1 points last year and had some big scoring games at home, hanging 52 on Arkansas State, 43 on Baylor, and 38 on UCF.
They had an MVFC opponent to start the season last year and won 21-3 over North Dakota. But Iowa State has a game under its belt, and its offensive output should be better enough to carry this total to the Over.
South Dakota vs Iowa State same-game parlay
It was a light day at the office for Rocho Becht, who threw for just 183 yards against Kansas State. He's not generally a slow starter: in 2024, he threw for at least 233 yards in seven of the first nine.
He also faced MVFC competition in Week 1 last year and put up 267 yards passing against North Dakota. He should be able to get what he wants against South Dakota.
TE Gabe Burkle has emerged as a legitimate target for Becht, and he picked up 31 yards on three grabs in the opener. He's got a gettable 25.5 receiving yard line Saturday, a number he's topped in five of his last six games.
Our deep-ball SGP: Becht Shines!
To say Chase Sowell's debut with ISU was quiet was an understatement, with zeroes across the board. He should get involved on Saturday, but I think he'll be eased in lightly.
Becht had nine games with 2+ TD passes last year, and started this year with two passing scores, the fourth straight he's done that. I like him hitting that number again against the Coyotes.
South Dakota vs Iowa State odds
- South Dakota vs. Iowa State spread: Iowa State -14.5 (-110)
- South Dakota vs. Iowa State moneyline: South Dakota +480, Iowa State -690
- South Dakota vs. Iowa State Over/Under: 47.5 (-110)
South Dakota vs Iowa State betting trend to know
The Cyclones are 5-5-0 against the spread in their last 10 games. Find more college football betting trends for South Dakota vs Iowa State.
How to watch South Dakota vs Iowa State
Location | Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA |
Date | Saturday, August 30, 2025 |
Kickoff | 3:30 p.m. ET |
TV | FOX |
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Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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