Category: Iowa State

Texas A&M Wins Orange Bowl Over North Carolina 41-27: Reaction, Analysis, 5 Thoughts

Texas A&M wins the Capital One Orange Bowl over North Carolina 41-27. Five thoughts and analysis of the game, and what it all means.

Texas A&M wins the Capital One Orange Bowl over North Carolina 41-27. Five thoughts and analysis of the game, and what it all means.

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Texas A&M wins the Capital One Orange Bowl

Final Score: Texas A&M 41, North Carolina 27
CFN Prediction: Texas A&M 34, North Carolina 20
Line: Texas A&M -10, o/u: 65.5

5. It’ll go down in history as a misleading Orange Bowl – and ACC bowl season

It was a much, much closer game than the 41-27 final score, but stats are stats.

Including the College Football Playoff games, the Orange Bowl continues to be a bit of a dog – at least in the final score.

This game makes it ten of the last 13 decided by double-digits, and going way back, it’s been 18 of the last 25.

It’ll also go down as a misleading bowl season for the ACC.

 

Yeah, it was 0-6 – you are what your record is – but two of the losses came in the College Football Playoff, Wake Forest was an underdog to Wisconsin, NC State was a slight dog to Kentucky, Miami was an underdog to Oklahoma State – and lost QB D’Eriq King to a knee injury just as the team got rolling – and there was this loss.

North Carolina played a whole lot better than 41-27.

The ACC was the dog in five of the six games, but after a wildly fun year getting two teams into the playoff, it was a rough finish.

NEXT: North Carolina gave it a phenomenal run

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Iowa State Wins Fiesta Bowl Over Oregon: Reaction, Analysis, 5 Thoughts

Iowa State wins the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl over Oregon 34-17. Five thoughts and analysis of the game, and what it all means.

Iowa State wins the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl over Oregon 34-17. Five thoughts and analysis of the game, and what it all means.

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Iowa State wins the PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

Final Score: Iowa State 34, Oregon 17
CFN Prediction: Oregon 26, Iowa State 24
Line: Indiana -7.5, o/u: 67.5

5. The Big 12 delivered in a big, big way

5-0 is 5-0.

You play the team in front of you, it’s not your fault if the other team has issues, and all of those other talking points. It’s all about the scoreboard and the record.

Yes, the Big 12 was favored in all five of the games. Yes, Army was one of those games, a meh Colorado was another, D’Eriq King suffered a knee injury in one, and Florida was missing way too many players in another.

A win is a win is a win, but it’s possible to slightly yuck the Big 12’s yum on a lot of this.

Not on Iowa State’s win in the Fiesta Bowl. It just beat the Pac-12 Champion.

This was a huge win for the Cyclones – more on this later, but it might be the biggest win ever – and it was the one the Big 12 should chirp about more than any of the others.

Oklahoma might have been jaw-dropping great, and Oklahoma State, West Virginia and Texas did what they were supposed to do, but Iowa State was dealing with a very talented, very active Oregon team that looked like it was about to put it all together.

The Ducks still have tremendous talent, and the sky’s the limit going into next year, but …

NEXT: Oregon’s quarterback situation is a problem

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Iowa State vs Oregon: PlayStation Fiesta Prediction, Game Preview

Iowa State vs Oregon: PlayStation Fiesta Bowl prediction and game preview.

Iowa State vs Oregon: PlayStation Fiesta Bowl prediction and game preview.

Iowa State vs Oregon: PlayStation Fiesta Bowl Broadcast

Date: Saturday, January 2
Game Time: 4:00 pm ET
Venue: State Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ
Network: ESPN

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Iowa State (8-3) vs Oregon (4-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM 

Three Reasons Why You Should Watch The PlayStation Fiesta Bowl

– It’s the Bowl of Misfit Teams, starting with Oregon winning the Pac-12 Championship over USC after Washington wasn’t able to go due to COVID issues. Iowa State had a great second half of the season, but started with a 17-point loss to Louisiana and ended with a Big 12 Championship defeat against Oklahoma.

However, this is a good Cyclone team that’s going to be fired up to close strong, and Oregon has a very young, very talented team that fought through key preseason opt-outs and now wants to make a statement going into the 2021 season.

– Duck head coach Mario Cristobal is locked into a long contract extension, the recruiting has been fantastic, and he has two straight Pac-12 titles under his belt. Oregon never quite found a groove in the shortened season, but the offense is efficient, the defense stepped up when it needed to against USC, and again, talent isn’t a question. Iowa State is a good, sound, experienced team, but the Ducks have the next-level guys across the board.

– Most of the blue blood programs that get into the big bowls just throw the appearance on to the pile. This is a big deal for Iowa State, and the hope is for it to be a moment that takes the program to another level when it comes to national perception.

After losing to Oklahoma, Iowa State still has never won an outright conference title despite playing football since the late 1800s, and this is just the 16th bowl appearance. It hasn’t been pretty going 4-11 so far and 1-5 in the last six including two straight losses under Campbell, and now this is a chance to correct that, and to make amends for last year’s brutal 33-9 loss to Notre Dame in the Camping World.

– Why Iowa State Will Win
– Why Oregon Will Win
– What’s Going to Happen, Prediction, History

NEXT: Why Iowa State Will Win, Why Oregon Will Win, Iowa State vs Oregon Prediction

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4

Oklahoma vs Iowa State Championship Prediction, Game Preview

Oklahoma Sooners vs Iowa State Cyclones: Big 12 Championship prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma vs Iowa State: Big 12 Championship prediction and game preview.

Oklahoma vs Iowa State: Big 12 Championship Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 19
Game Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, TX
Network: ABC

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Oklahoma (7-2) vs Iowa State (6-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM 

Three Reasons Why You Should Watch The Big 12 Championship

– Is there any shot the Big 12 Champion can get into the College Football Playoff? Not really, but …

If Texas A&M loses to Tennessee, and Notre Dame rocks Clemson, and Northwestern beats Ohio State, and the winner in this Big 12 Championship destroys the loser, and …

Nah. Don’t get all tied up in that – no matter what the narrative is during the broadcast – and just enjoy what should be another great game between the two.

Iowa State won the first time around 37-30 with a good late rally that was almost dead even. Iowa State outgained OU 417 yards to 414. They each committed nine penalties, turned it over once, and it ended up being one of the best games of the Big 12 season.

Here comes Round 2.

– Iowa State won a piece of two Missouri Valley Intercollegiate Athletic Association championships … in 1911 and 1912. The program has never won a Big 6 title, it never won a Big 7 title, and it never won a Big 8 or Big 12 championship, either.

Iowa State football started in the 1890s and first joined a league in 1908, and now it has a chance to win its first ever outright, all-to-itself, no-splitsies conference championship and go off to – most likely – the Cotton Bowl. For a team that started off the year with a 31-14 loss Louisiana and was 3-2, the Cyclones are one win away from the dream season.

On the flip side …

– Remembering there’s a six-year break in there, since 2000, Oklahoma has won ten of the last 14 Big 12 Championship Games including the last four and five of the last six. Throw in the non-title game years, and IU has won five Big 12 titles in a row.

Out of the four it lost, two were won by 2005 and 2009 Texas teams that played for the national title, one was won by a 2001 Colorado team that kept Texas out of the national championship, and the other was a stunning 35-7 Kansas State win over a 2003 Sooner team that went to play for the national championship anyway.

Win this again and just throw it on the pile.

Why Oklahoma, Iowa State Will Win
What’s Going to Happen, Prediction, History

NEXT: Why Oklahoma Will Win, Why Iowa State Will Win, Oklahoma vs Iowa State Prediction

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3

Big 12 Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 14

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 14 of the season.

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 14 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 31-15, ATS: 25-17-1, Point Total: 25-13
– Bet on Big 12 football at BetMGM

Saturday, December 5

Oklahoma State at TCU

12:00 ESPN2
Line: Oklahoma State -1.5, o/u: 51

Kansas at Texas Tech

12:00 FS2
Line: Texas Tech -27.5, o/u: 62.5

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Texas at Kansas State

12:00 FOX
Line: Texas -7, o/u: 51.5

West Virginia at Iowa State

3:30 ESPN
Line: Iowa State -6.5, o/u: 49.5

– Bet on the Big 12 at BetMGM

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West Virginia vs Iowa State Prediction, Game Preview

West Virginia Mountaineers vs Iowa State Cyclones prediction and game preview.

West Virginia vs Iowa State prediction and game preview.

West Virginia vs Iowa State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, December 5
Game Time: 3.30 ET
Venue: MidAmerican Energy Field, Ames, IA
Network: ESPN

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

West Virginia (5-3) vs Iowa State (7-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why West Virginia Will Win

Very, very quietly, the Mountaineers have put together a nice season with the nation’s best pass defense, an okay offense, and strong enough play on the lines to hold up against everyone.

The O can’t run all that well, but QB Jarret Doege has been sharper as the season has gone on – he hasn’t thrown a pick in the last four games – and that’s everything for the Mountaineer style.

Don’t screw up, let the defense do the rest.

The Big 12’s best D hasn’t allowed more than 400 yards and 5-0 when giving up fewer than 300 yards. However …

– Week 14 College Schedule

Why Iowa State Will Win

Iowa State has yet to duck under the 300-yard total offense mark.

There’s enough balance and enough options to combat the great Mountaineer defensive line with a whole slew of short, quick passes, and the team was able to get by with a win last week over Texas even though Breece Hall had his first game of the year under 100 rushing yards.

Slow and steady will have to win the race, and Iowa State can do that.

QB Brock Purdy isn’t quite having the season expected, but he was brilliant against Kansas State a few weeks ago, didn’t screw up last week against Texas – throwing for 312 yards and keeping things moving when needed late – and he should be able to hold up.

West Virginia’s secondary doesn’t allow a thing, but as long as he doesn’t force his throws, he should be okay.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Okay, let’s do this as easily as possible.

If Iowa State wins, it’s in the Big 12 Championship. If it loses, it’s in if Oklahoma or Oklahoma State lose either of their last two games. If the Sooners and Cowboys win out, the only way Iowa State is out – PLEASE don’t ask; it’s too weird – is if it loses this week, and Texas loses to both Kansas State and Kansas.

So Iowa State is almost certainly going to play for the Big 12 title no matter what, but it would like to make it crisp and clean with a win over the Mountaineers.

It’s not going to be easy.

West Virginia will have its chances to take over, but the Cyclone offensive line will give Purdy just enough time to be okay, Hall will come up with a solid day to keep the clock moving, and then it’s off to the Big 12 Championship.

West Virginia vs Iowa State Prediction, Line

Iowa State 23, West Virginia 17
Bet on West Virginia vs Iowa State with BetMGM
Iowa State -6.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 3.5

5: Gangs of London
1: Hillbilly Elegy

CFN 1-127 Rankings | Bowl & CFP Projections

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Big 12 Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 13

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 13 of the season.

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 13 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 28-14, ATS: 24-14-1, Point Total: 24-10

Friday, November 27

Iowa State at Texas

12:00 ABC
Line: Texas -2, o/u: 57.5

Saturday, November 28

Texas Tech at Oklahoma State

12:00 FOX
Line: Oklahoma State -10.5, o/u: 55

Kansas State at Baylor

7:00 ESPN2
Line: Baylor -5.5, o/u: 46.5

TCU at Kansas

8:00 FS1
Line: TCU -24, o/u: 52.5

Oklahoma at West Virginia

Postponed to December 12

– Bet on the Big 12 at BetMGM

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Texas vs Iowa State Prediction, Game Preview

Texas Longhorns vs Iowa State Cyclones prediction and game preview.

Texas vs Iowa State prediction and game preview.

Texas vs Iowa State Broadcast

Date: Friday, November 27
Game Time: 12:00 ET
Venue: DKR-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin, TX
Network: ABC

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Texas (5-2) vs Iowa State (6-2) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Iowa State Will Win

The Cyclone offense has found its balance and groove.

When the program gets to 200 yards rushing and 200 passing, it’s 4-0. How many times did Iowa State go 200/200 last year? Once – and it beat ULM 72-20.

How many times did it do it in 2018? Twice, and five times in four years – that’s it. Now the offense has evolved, and if it does that again, it wins.

Texas is 5-0 when teams aren’t throwing the balance at the defense, and when offenses are able to do the 200/200 thing? Texas is 0-2.

The Cyclones are doing everything right. They’re converting on third downs, they’re not getting hit for a slew of penalties, and they’re leading the Big 12 in takeaways.

Let Texas make the big mistakes, mix up the offense, and it should all work.

Why Texas Will Win

The Longhorn defense has finally been able to step up against the run. To go along with that 200/200 thing, when the D holds opponents to under 100 rushing yards the team is 3-0, and the program is 12-0 over the last three years.

Okay, so Iowa State isn’t going to run for fewer than 100 yards, but Texas has figured out how to make teams one dimensional holding Baylor and West Virginia under 100 in the last three games. It’s been great against the run lately – the team is tackling better – and the pass defense will take its chances.

Texas wants to stop Cyclone 100-yard rushing machine Breece Hall first, and it starts by not letting him grind his way to the second-level. Iowa State QB Brock Purdy has been red hot – three touchdown passes in each of the last three games – but he also rolled against three mediocre teams.

– CFN Experts Picks: College

What’s Going To Happen

Both teams are on a three-game winning streak, both are playing well, and both are looking to this as the moment to make a big statement in the Big 12 title chase.

At home, the Texas defense will continue to be strong enough, QB Sam Ehlinger will get over a few off games by being a bit more consistent down the field while also relying on the ground attack – freshman Bijan Robinson will be effective – and Texas will be on the doorstep of getting a spot in the Big 12 Championship.

Texas vs Iowa State Prediction, Line

Texas 34, Iowa State 31
Bet on Texas vs Iowa State with BetMGM
Texas -1, o/u: 56.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2

Must See Rating: 4

5: Thanksgiving beef tenderloin
1: Thanksgiving turkey

CFN Rankings 1-127 | CFN Bowl Projections
20 Most Important College Football Thoughts Ever

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Big 12 Predictions, Schedule, Game Previews, Lines, TV: Week 12

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

Big 12 college football predictions, schedule, game previews, lines and TV listings for Week 12 of the season.

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Results So Far
SU: 27-13, ATS: 24-12-1, Point Total: 23-9

Texas at Kansas

3:30 ESPN2
Line: Texas -28.5, o/u: 60.5

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Kansas State at Iowa State

4:00 FOX
Line: Iowa State -11, o/u: 46

Oklahoma State at Oklahoma

7:30 ABC
Line: Oklahoma -7, o/u: 59.5

– Bet on the Big 12 at BetMGM

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Iowa State vs Kansas State Prediction, Game Preview

Iowa State Cyclones vs Kansas State Wildcats prediction and game preview.

Iowa State vs Kansas State prediction and game preview.

Iowa State vs Kansas State Broadcast

Date: Saturday, November 21
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Venue: MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Network: FOX

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– All of the CFN Fearless Predictions

Iowa State (5-2) vs Kansas State (4-3) Game Preview

For latest lines and to bet on the NFL, go to BetMGM

Why Kansas State Will Win

The Wildcat run defense has been solid. If you can’t at least slow the Iowa State ground game, you can’t beat Iowa State.

K-State has only allowed more than 200 rushing yards once, even though they don’t get into the backfield on a regular basis.

The Wildcat passing game has a decent downfield game, the special teams continue to be solid, and the team should be able to tilt the field enough to make a difference. As always, Kansas State does all of the little things right.

Why Iowa State Will Win

The Cyclones might have the best running back in college football – at least the potential top back this year.

Breece Hall has hit the 100-yard mark in every game, getting over 1,000 yards last week with a 133-yard, two-score day in the win over Baylor. The Cyclones are running well against everyone – they lead the Big 12 in rushing – and they might have the formula to work against Kansas State.

The Wildcats aren’t doing much on third downs and they’re last in the Big 12 in first downs. Iowa State is great at controlling the clock, the D is excellent on third downs, and Hall and company should keep things moving.

What’s Going To Happen

What’s going wrong for Kansas State? The offense had to go against two of the Big 12’s best defenses – West Virginia and Oklahoma State – and the O stalled.

Third downs and moving the chains have been an issue, failing to convert 30% of its chances in three of the last four games, and that’s going to be a killer against this Cyclone team.

Iowa State won’t do anything fancy. Run Hall, control the clock, rely on the D to keep the Wildcats from going off.

– CFN Experts Picks, Predictions: Week 12

Iowa State vs Kansas State Prediction, Line

Iowa State 30, Kanas State 20
Bet on Iowa State vs Kansas State with BetMGM
Iowa State -11, o/u: 46
ATS Confidence out of 5: 2.5

Must See Rating: 3

5: The Crown: Season 4
1: A Nashville Christmas Carol

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