South Dakota vs Iowa State Prediction 8/30/2025 Today’s College Football Picks

In this article we will formulate a South Dakota vs Iowa State prediction for this College Football game on Saturday, August 30th at Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week 1 matchup. 

South Dakota Coyotes Betting Preview

The South Dakota Coyotes went 11-3 (7-1) last year and they finished tied for first in the Missouri Valley standings with North Dakota State and South Dakota State. South Dakota started the 2024 season with a 45-3 win over Northern State, but they followed that up with a 27-13 loss to Wisconsin. The Coyotes picked up wins over Northern State, Drake, Southern Illinois, Murray State, Northern Iowa, Youngstown State, Indiana State, North Dakota, and North Dakota State, while they lost to Wisconsin and South Dakota State in the regular season. South Dakota did qualify for the FCS Playoffs, where they defeated Tarleton State by a score of 42-31 and UC Davis by a score of 35-21, but lost to Montana State by a score of 31-17 in the semifinals. 

This season, South Dakota will have a new head coach, as they try to maintain the momentum that they gained last year. The Coyotes had an electric offense last season and they will return a very experienced quarterback in Aidan Bouman, who has been the starter the past two years. South Dakota’s receivers need some work, but they do have one of the better running backs in the FCS. The offensive line needs to replace most of their production, so I am worried how they will hold up here. On defense, almost all of the starters will be new, so that is a big question mark heading into the season. 

Iowa State Cyclones Betting Preview

The Iowa State Cyclones were 11-3 (7-2) last season and they finished tied for first in the Big 12 standings with Arizona State, BYU, and Colorado. Iowa State opened the 2024 season with a 21-3 win over North Dakota, as they won each of their first seven games. The Cyclones picked up wins against North Dakota, Iowa, Arkansas State, Houston, Baylor, West Virginia, UCF, Cincinnati, Utah, and Kansas State, while they lost to Texas Tech and Kansas. Iowa State lost to Arizona State by a score of 45-19 in the Big 12 Championship, which was followed up by a 42-41 win over Miami in the Pop-Tarts Bowl. Iowa State scored 31.1 points per game last year, which was ranked 42nd in the nation, while they allowed 22.9 points against per game, which was 41st. 

This year, Iowa State will continue to have Rocco Becht under center, who has been very serviceable in the past. The Cyclones will also return their leading rusher from 2024, but they do need to replace three starters on the offensive line. The biggest loss for Iowa State will be at the receiver position, where they lost Noel and Higgins, who are both in the NFL. On defense, Iowa State was one of the best at defending the pass last year, but they should be much better at stopping the run this season. I think the overall defense may take a step back this year, but the defensive line should show improvement. 

Iowa State did start the season with a win over Kansas State by a score of 24-21 last week. Iowa State scored 10 straight points in the fourth quarter, which gave them just enough room to get the win. The Cyclones were out gained by a total of 383-313, went 3-14 on third downs, and tied the turnover battle at two. 

Why South Dakota will cover against Iowa State

• Iowa State has failed to cover the spread in five of its last six games against non-FBS teams.

Total Points Facts

• Each of Iowa State’s last four games against non-FBS teams have gone UNDER the total points line.

Matchup/League Facts

• Iowa State ranked 2nd among FBS teams for 4th down conversion percentage last season (80.0).
• Iowa State ranked 3rd among FBS teams for average point differential in fourth quarters last season (+5.8).

South Dakota vs Iowa State Prediction 

Iowa State rolls into this season with high expectations after last year’s trip to the Big 12 Title game, but South Dakota also has high expectations after their trip to the FCS semifinals. Iowa State is the more talented team in this matchup, but we have seen them play down to their competition and I think they could be in a little trouble here. South Dakota has a very powerful offense and an experienced quarterback, so I do think they can keep this game close and have a chance to win. Take South Dakota and the points here.