Iowa State Cyclones vs. Colorado Buffaloes Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 11, 2025
Use Code WWWC A pair of Big 12 programs collide on the gridiron in the Centennial State as the #22 Iowa State Cyclones travel to take on the Colorado Buffaloes Saturday afternoon, and we have you covered with our Iowa State vs. Colorado prediction. Iowa State fell 38-30 to Cincinnati on the road last Saturday, failing to cover the line as a one-point underdog, in their previous contest. Colorado was blasted 35-21 on the road by TCU in their previous contest last Saturday, failing to cover the line as a 13.5-point underdog. In the all-time series between the teams, the Buffaloes own a 48-16-1 advantage, including a 34-14 home win in the most recent matchupon November 13, 2010. Read more about this Iowa State vs. Colorado prediction! Don’t get penalized! Increase your bankroll with our NCAAF Betting Picks!
Cyclones Hoping to Rebound From First Loss of Season
Iowa State was knocked from the ranks of the unbeaten as they were upended on the road by Cincinnati last week. The Cyclones fell to 5-1 overall and stand 2-1 in the Big 12 heading into this contest. Against Cincinnati, Iowa State trailed 17-0 after the opening quarter and 31-7 with 1:08 remaining in the first half. The Cyclones rallied, making it a one-score game with 1:56 to play, but couldn’t complete the comeback. Iowa State was edged 474-470 in total offense, picked up 29 first downs while allowing 20, controlled the clock by a 34:56 to 25:04 margin and forced the game’s lone turnover. Their slow start proved to be too much to overcome despite their attempts to rally.
For the year, the Cyclones are 56th in the nation in passing offense with 248.3 yards per game. The Cyclones are 79th in rushing offense as they grind out 151.8 yards per contest on the ground. Iowa State is 56th in the FBS in scoring offense by putting up 31.3 points per game. The Cyclones stand 31st in the country in scoring defense by allowing 18.2 points per contest. Rocco Becht is 109 of 168 passing for 1,417 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions while adding 60 yards plus seven scores on the ground. Alex Manske (four of six, 28 yards, 31 rush yards, TD) and Connor Moberly (zero of one, 29 rush yards) are next on the depth chart. The Cyclones have a three-headed ground attack with Abu Sama III (68 carries, 304 yards, two TD), Carson Hansen (79 carries, 348 yards, two TD) and Dylan Lee (14 carries, 86 yards, TD) all effective when they get the ball. Benjamin Brahmer leads the team with 19 receptions for 186 yards and three scores from the tight end spot. Brett Eskildsen (18 catches, 321 yards, two TD), Chase Sowell (13 grabs, 236 yards, TD), Xavier Townsend (14 receptions, 191 yards) and tight end Gabe Burkle (14 catches, 180 yards, TD) are each over 150 receiving yards this season. Kyle Konrardy is eight of nine on extra point attempts and seven of nine field goal attempts with a long of 63 this season. Chase Smith is 10 of 10 on extra point attempts and one of two on field goal attempts with a long of 34.
Hansen (concussion), Sowell (undisclosed) and Konrardy (undisclosed) are key names to monitor on the injury report.
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Colorado Trying to Find Momentum
Colorado has struggled this season and suffered their second straight loss as they were downed by TCU on the road in their previous contest. The Buffaloes fell to 2-4 overall on the year and stand 0-3 in the Big 12 on the year. Against TCU, Colorado was even after the opening quarter, at the half, and after three quarters. The game was tied at 21 with 11:42 remaining, only to give up the final 14 points of the game to take the loss. Colorado was outgained 369-343 in total offense, gave up 23 first downs while picking up 20, and turned the ball over four times while failing to record a takeaway. Those numbers overshadowed that the Buffaloes owned a 31:32 to 28:28 edge in time of possession in the game.
This year, the Buffaloes are 84th in the nation in passing offense as they average 211.8 yards per game through the air. Colorado is 87th in the FBS in rushing offense as the team averages 143.8 yards per contest on the ground. The Buffaloes are 89th of the 136 FBS teams to take the field this season in scoring offense, as they average 25 points a game. Colorado is 76th in scoring defense as they allow 24.8 points a contest. Kaidon Salter is 77 of 117 passing for 901 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions while ranking second with 213 rushing yards and five scores. Ryan Staub (26 of 45, 362 yards, three TD, two INT, 34 rush yards) and Julian Lewis (two of four, eight yards) are next up on the depth chart. Micah Welch leads the run game with 52 carries for 250 yards and a score on the ground. Simeon Price (21 carries, 143 yards, two TD), Dekalon Taylor (19 carries, 83 yards), Dallan Hayden (11 carries, 71 yards) and Dre’lon Miller (16 carries, 69 yards, TD) have all seen some work in the ground game. Omarion Miller leads the team with 17 catches for 289 yards and three scores. Joseph Williams (16 receptions, 242 yards, two TD), Sincere Brown (nine grabs, 228 yards, two TD) and Taylor (10 receptions, 106 yards, two TD) are the only other players over 100 receiving yards on the year. Alejandro Mata is 19 of 19 on extra point attempts and three of four on field goal attempts with a long of 42 this season.
Price and Taylor (undisclosed) are both questionable here, which could really impact the running back depth for the Buffaloes.
Iowa State vs. Colorado Pick
Spread Pick for Iowa State vs. Colorado
- Iowa State -2.5 (4 units)
This is a bad spot for Colorado as they have to square off with an angry Iowa State squad. Sure, the Cyclones have some injury issues to watch out for updates for heading into this one, but even banged up, they still put up 30 points on Cincinnati last week. Colorado hasn’t put up more than 21 points in any of their three conference games this season. The Buffaloes are a -3 in the takeaway/giveaway department while Iowa State is a +4 entering this game. Colorado has surrendered 180 yards per game on the ground this season and with the ability of Becht to make plays, the Cyclones should win this one by at least a touchdown.
Over/Under Pick for Iowa State vs. Colorado
- Under 52.5 (4 units)
Iowa State has split their six games in relation to the total this season, even with back-to-back overs entering this game. The Cyclones have stayed under the number in two of their three road games on the year and the Cincinnati loss marked the first time they allowed more than 21 points in a game. Colorado has stayed under the number in four of their six games on this year. The Buffaloes have stayed under the number in three of their four home games this season. We’ve seen Colorado struggle offensively in conference action and Iowa State holds them in check as well. Take the under in this game as a result.
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