Ohio Bobcats (2-1) vs Iowa State Cyclones (1-1)
Game Info: Saturday, September 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm (Frank Solich Field at Peden Stadium)
Betting Odds: Ohio Bobcats +3 -- Over/Under: 42.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
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The Iowa State Cyclones will play the Ohio Bobcats in a non-conference game on Saturday afternoon at Peden Stadium in Athens, Ohio. Iowa State is coming off of a disappointing loss to Iowa, while Ohio has won back to back games after losing in Week 0.
Iowa State Preview
The Iowa State Cyclones are 1-1 this season after they lost to Iowa by a score of 20-13 in their last game. Iowa State trailed 20-3 in the fourth quarter, but they were able to outscore Iowa by a total of 10-0 in the final frame. Iowa State out gained Iowa by a total of 290-235, but they did throw a pick six in the second quarter. Iowa State defeated Northern Iowa by a score of 30-9 in Week 1. Iowa State is averaging 21.5 points per game with 159.5 passing yards per game and 110.5 rushing yards per game, while going 31% on third down conversions. Rocco Becht has thrown for 316 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception for Iowa State this year. Cartevious Norton has rushed for 108 yards, while Jayden Higgins has caught nine passes for 110 yards and one score. The Iowa State defense is giving up 14.5 points against per game.
Ohio Preview
The Ohio Bobcats are 2-1 this season after they defeated FAU by a score of 17-10 in their last game. Ohio fell down 10-0 in the second quarter, but they were able to score the final 17 points of the game for the win. The Bobcats had Kurtis Rourke back under center, who is their best offensive player. When the backup is in, the Ohio offense really struggles. Ohio out gained FAU by a total of 354-185, but they did turn the ball over three times. Ohio defeated LIU by a score of 27-10 in Week 1, but they did lose to San Diego State by a score of 20-13 in Week 0. Ohio is averaging 19 points per game with 195.3 passing yards per game and 153.7 rushing yards per game, while going 43.2% on third down conversions. Kurtis Rourke has thrown for 278 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions for the Bobcats this season. Sieh Bangura has rushed for 217 yards, while Tyler Walton has caught 12 passes for 128 yards and one score. The Ohio defense is allowing 13.3 points against per game this year.
Ohio Bobcats Team Facts
- Ohio has won each of its last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams at Peden Stadium.
- Ohio has failed to cover the spread in six of its last seven home games against non-conference opponents.
- Six of Ohio's last seven games as an underdog have gone UNDER the total points line.
Iowa State Cyclones Team Facts
- Iowa State has lost five of its last six games as a road favorite.
- Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games as a road favorite.
- Eleven of Iowa State's last 12 games against non-conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Ohio ranked T26th among FBS teams for Q4 points per game last season (8.9).
- Ohio ranked T29th among FBS teams for H1 win percentage last season (.643).
- Iowa State ranked T19th among FBS teams for Q3 points allowed per game last season (3.8).
- Iowa State ranked 25th among FBS teams for Q1 points allowed per game last season (4.0).
Pick
Ohio did lose their first game of the season to San Diego State, but they played most of the game without Rourke after he got hurt. The Bobcats made it by LIU without Rourke and then we saw what he was able to do against FAU last week. Iowa State didn’t look great against Iowa and now they will have to play on the road in this game, before opening Big 12 play next week against Oklahoma State. I think this is a tough spot for Iowa State and I like Ohio to get the home win here, behind a great game from Rourke.
David’s Pick Ohio +3
AUTHOR: David Racey
Mitch's Take...
