Iowa State Hosts Cincinnati in Big 12 Clash
The Cyclones face the Bearcats on Saturday despite both teams dropping their most recent contests.
By Tunde Bailey ·
Iowa State will host Cincinnati on Saturday, November 14, at 12 p.m. EST in a Big 12 matchup between two teams looking to bounce back from losses. The Cyclones enter the game with a 4-5 record, while the Bearcats sit at 5-4. Broadcasters on TNT will carry the contest, which opens with Iowa State favored by 2.5 points.
Both programs lost on the most recent Saturday, November 7. Iowa State fell 42-31 to Baylor, while Cincinnati dropped 31-24 to Houston. These results leave the Cyclones with a 3-5-1 record against the spread and the Bearcats at 5-4.
The statistical profiles of the two teams present a sharp contrast in offensive efficiency. Cincinnati ranks 23rd in the FBS in total offense, averaging 446.9 yards per game. Their rushing attack is particularly potent, ranking 10th nationally with 221.9 yards per carry. By comparison, Iowa State ranks 72nd in total offense with 381.3 yards per game. The Cyclones, however, lead the FBS in red zone efficiency, scoring on 100 percent of their trips into the opponent's 20-yard line.
Defensive performance tells a different story for both sides. Cincinnati’s defense ranks 132nd in the FBS, allowing 445.3 yards per game. They rank 133rd in passing defense, giving up 276.0 passing yards per contest. Iowa State’s defense sits at 103rd in total defense, allowing 394.1 yards per game. The Bearcats also possess a +5 turnover margin, which ranks 23rd in the country.
Quarterback play will be the focal point of the matchup. Cincinnati’s J.C. French has passed for 1,990 yards and 15 touchdowns while throwing only three interceptions. He has completed 66.7 percent of his passes. Iowa State’s Jaylen Raynor has thrown for 1,672 yards and 12 touchdowns with five interceptions, completing 59.6 percent of his attempts. On the ground, Aiden Flora leads Iowa State with 1,119 rushing yards, while Cole Tabb carries 812 yards for Cincinnati.
The teams will meet again shortly after this contest. Iowa State travels to UCF on November 20. Cincinnati hosts Colorado on November 21.
The opening line of 2.5 points reflects the close nature of the two records. Cincinnati’s high scoring output averages 33.0 points per game, ranking 35th in the FBS. Iowa State scores 29.2 points per game, which places them 62nd nationally.
