Iowa State doesn’t do anything to “wow” you when they take the field. In fact, playing in Ames doesn’t exactly throw fear into opposing teams. But you know what? As gamblers who love to play money lines in college football betting will tell you, it doesn’t matter how you win--as long as you find a way to get it done.
That’s exactly what the Cyclones did last week, escaping with a 23-20 victory against Texas, and a victory against West Virginia would send them to the Big 12 Championship game.
Let’s check out our best college football free picks and predictions for West Virginia at No. 12 Iowa State, with kickoff scheduled for Saturday, November 5 at 3:30 p.m.
West Virginia Mountaineers at Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview
Weather
It will be sunny and chilly in Ames, Iowa, on Saturday. Expect a high of 45 degrees with a northwest wind of 10 mph and no rain in the forecast. Be sure to monitor the gametime conditions with our NCAA football weather info.
Key Injuries
West Virginia: Josh Chandler-Semedo LB (ques), Vandarius Cowan LB (out), Evan Staley K (out)
Iowa State: No injuries to report.
Find our latest NCAA football injury reports.
Betting Trend to Know
Cyclones are 1-6 ATS in their last seven games in December. Find more NCAA betting trends for West Virginia vs. Iowa State.
Against the Spread (ATS) Pick
The Cyclones can hurt you a couple of ways on offense, so it’s generally pick your poison when trying to stop them. Last week against the Horns, quarterback Brock Purdy threw for 312 yards and a score, while Breece Hall racked up 91 yards on the ground. The Iowa State running back kept attacking after the game, as well, saying his team’s win was the result of “five-star culture versus five-star players.” Ouch! Defensively, Iowa State gives up 23 points per game.
West Virginia’s highly-anticipated showdown against Oklahoma was canceled last week because of COVID-19, and the extra time should only help a Mountaineers defense that has been fierce this season. West Virginia allows only 274 yards and 17.8 points per game. Offensively, the Mountaineers will have to find a way to generate points, so expect a steady diet of running back Leddie Brown, who led the team with 154 yards rushing in 24-6 win over TCU three weeks ago.
There is no question that the Cyclones will be the more motivated team in this spot. They’ve never won a Big 12 title and haven’t won a conference championship of any sort since 1912. However, they usually grind for victories against good teams, and we should expect another close one on Saturday.
PREDICTION: West Virginia +7.0 (-110)
Over/Under Pick
The Mountaineers have the best pass defense in the Big 12, so the Cyclones will need to make sure that Hall gets his carries to keep the Iowa State offense moving. The Under is 8-0 in Mountaineers’ last eight games as an underdog, and West Virginia isn’t exactly explosive on offense, either.
PREDICTION: Under 48.5 (-110)
Team Total Prop Pick
Purdy and Hall make for an impressive offensive tandem, but the Cyclones also got a little help from some inept Texas coaching decisions last Saturday. I think Iowa State wins this game, but assuming West Virginia brings some competent coaches with them, the Cyclones may have a more difficult time scoring points than they anticipate.
PREDICTION: Iowa State team total Under 27.5 (-110)
West Virginia vs Iowa State Betting Card
- West Virginia +7.0 (-110)
- Under 48.5 (-110)
- Iowa State team total Under 27.5 (-110)
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