Iowa State at Kansas State: 10/16/21 College Football Picks and Prediction

Defensively, Iowa State is holding their opponents to an average of 15.6 ppg on 233.2 total yards per game (143.2 passing yds/g; 90.0 rushing yds/g).

The Kansas State Wildcats lost their 2nd straight game and dropped to 3-2 on the season after being defeated by the 6th ranked Oklahoma Sooners, 37-31, on October 2nd. Kansas State struggled to slow down the high-powered Oklahoma offense and could not fight back after a 1-yd TD reception by Jeremiah Hall gave the Sooners a 34-17 lead early in the 4th quarter. Kansas State outgained Oklahoma by a 420-392 margin and committed 1 turnover in the loss. Leading the way for the Wildcats was QB Skylar Thompson who completed 29 of 41 passes for 320 yards & 3 TD’s.

On the season, Kansas State is averaging 28.8 ppg on 360.4 total yards per game (192.6 passing yds/g; 167.8 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Kansas State has been led by RB Deuce Vaughn who has rushed for 444 yards & 5 TD’s on 90 carries while also hauling in 20 receptions for 206 yards & 2 TD’s. QB Skylar Thompson has completed 69.5% of his passes for 560 yards, 3 TD, & 2 INT. The top receiving threats for the Wildcats have been Phillip Brooks (17 rec, 225 yards, TD), Malik Knowles (14 rec, 172 yards), Daniel Imatorbhebhe (4 rec, 117 yards, TD), & Landry Weber (7 rec, 106 yards, TD).

Defensively, Kansas State is holding their opponents to an average of 23.0 ppg on 342.6 total yards per game (256.2 passing yds/g; 86.4 rushing yds/g).

The Cyclones are 21-5-1 ATS in their last 27 October games, however, are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. The Wildcats are 14-4 ATS in their last 18 games following a bye week and 6-52 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Iowa State is a talented team however, Brock Purdy just hasn’t looked great so far this season and the Cyclones have struggled against the better competition that they have faced in Iowa & Baylor. Kansas State come into this game on a 2-game losing streak, however, they were competitive against two very good teams in Oklahoma State & Oklahoma and have been very solid defensively ranking 53rd in scoring defense. Kansas State has enough offensive weapons in Skylar Thompson & Deuce Vaughn to put some points on the board against the Iowa State defense and as I think this will be a close game at the end, I think the play here is to take the Wildcats and the points. Good Luck!