The No. 22 Clemson Tigers (9-3) will take on the Iowa State Cyclones (7-5) in the Cheez-It Bowl in Orlando Wednesday. Kickoff from the Camping World Stadium is set for 5:45 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Clemson vs. Iowa State odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Clemson came into this season with sky-high expectations, having been one of the best programs in college football over the last few seasons. It lost 10-3 to now-No. 2 Georgia in its season opener and lost to current-No. 18 NC State 27-21 in overtime three games later.
Clemson may have had a mediocre offense, but its defense is elite. It allowed the second-fewest points in the nation (15.0 points per game). The Tigers were just 4-8 against the spread (ATS) this season, while the Cyclones were marginally better at 5-7.
While the Cyclones do have a more dynamic offense, one that features both a quarterback with over 2,800 yards and running back with over 1,400 yards, their main strength is also in their defense, one that allows the 10th fewest yards per game.
Rankings courtesy of the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
Clemson vs. Iowa State odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:48 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Clemson -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Iowa State +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
- Against the spread (ATS): Clemson -2.5 (-115) | Iowa State +2.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 44.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Clemson vs. Iowa State odds, lines, picks and predictions
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Prediction
Clemson 23, Iowa State 17
Money line
PASS. I’ll take the Clemson spread for 25 more cents on the dollar. Given that value, I’d rather play the points and wouldn’t feel comfortable enough in the Tigers to put much on a -140 money line regardless.
Against the spread
“LEAN” to CLEMSON -2.5 (-115) as its defense should be able to put it on the Cyclones offense. The Cyclones average almost 170 yards per game. Freeing up their pass game by moving the chains on the ground has been a routine for Iowa State.
They’ll be battling a Clemson rush defense that ranks ninth in the country in opponents’ rushing yards. It is a legit group with several highly-touted recruits.
Also, Cyclones leading rusher RB Breece Hall will not be playing, so that takes their offense down a huge notch.
His absence will give a huge boost to the Tigers. It must be QB Brock Purdy who gives the Cyclones any chance, and I’d rather bet for the Tigers defense than against it in this situation.
Over/Under
BET UNDER 44.5 (-110) as the Cyclones will be down their leading rusher and the Clemson offense has been inconsistent at best all season. The Clemson offense ranks 103rd in passing nationally and 56th in rushing.
Bad news for Clemson is that Iowa State has a top-25 rush defense. It should be able to limit what Clemson does best. Given Hall’s absence and the Tigers’ elite defense, I’d bank on fewer points.
Per pregame.com, we’re seeing some reverse-line movement with the vast majority of the money on the Over, but this total moving from 45 down to 44.5. The sportsbooks like their positions, and you should, too.
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