In the heart of Big 12 country, the Kansas State Wildcats and the Iowa State Cyclones collide in a high-stakes showdown. The Wildcats are riding high after a commanding 41-15 victory over the Cincinnati Bearcats, bringing their record to 3-2 in their last five contests. Meanwhile, the Cyclones, fresh off a gritty 31-28 triumph over the Utah Utes, match that same 3-2 stretch as they head into this pivotal clash.
Fueled by recent momentum, both teams look to take a critical step forward in the conference race. It’s a matchup of resilience and resolve, with everything to play for as two proud programs meet under the bright lights of Big 12 football.
Kansas State vs. Iowa State Betting Preview
All Kansas State vs. Iowa State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Monday, Nov. 25, 2024. The CFN Spread comes from College Football Network’s Football Playoff Meter.
- CFN FPM Spread
Iowa State -4 - Spread
Iowa State -3 - Moneyline
Kansas State +130, Iowa State -130 - Over/Under
51.5 points - Game Time
7:30 p.m. ET - Location
Jack Trice Stadium | Ames, IA - Predicted Weather at Kick
20 degrees, mostly cloudy, 11 mph winds - How To Watch
Fox
Saturday marks the 108th edition of “Farmaggedon,” the name given to the Kansas State vs. Iowa State rivalry game. The Cyclones won the last edition (2023) and carry a 53-50-4 head-to-head advantage into one of the biggest games on the Week 14 calendar. With a place in the Big 12 Championship Game on the line, the Cyclones are a slight favorite, helped by being at home.
Being favored hasn’t always been to Iowa State’s advantage this season, dropping games to the Texas Tech Red Raiders and Kansas Jayhawks against the odds. They’ve also covered the spread just once in their last five. Kansas State hasn’t been an underdog this year but has only covered the spread four times this season — which could be significant in such a tight game.
Kansas State’s Winning Probability
According to CFN’s Football Playoff Meter, the Wildcats have a 38.1% chance of defeating the Cyclones on Saturday.
MORE: Simulate the College Football Season with CFN’s College Football Playoff Predictor
If the win probability holds, Kansas State will finish the 2024 regular season at 8-4. That would mark the fourth straight season with 8+ wins for the Wildcats under Chris Klieman, as they’ve already clinched an appearance in their fourth straight bowl game.
- at Iowa State: 38.1%
Iowa State’s Winning Probability
According to the CFN FPM, Iowa State has a 61.9% chance of defeating Kansas State on Saturday.
If the win probabilities hold, the Cyclones would finish the 2024 campaign with a 10-2 record and a possible Big 12 title game appearance. A 10-win season would mark the first time a Cyclone football team has won double-digit games in program history, which dates back to 1895.
- vs. Kansas State: 61.9%
Prediction for Kansas State vs. Iowa State
In a Big 12 matchup loaded with implications, the Wildcats find themselves in uncharted territory as underdogs for the first time this season. The Cyclones, sitting in a prime position, can secure a spot in the Big 12 Championship Game with a win. For Kansas State, the path to Arlington, Texas, is far more tenuous, hinging on a cascade of results elsewhere.
Iowa State enters with momentum, winning three of the last four in this series. Its defense, however, has struggled against the run, allowing an average of 5.1 yards per carry. That opens the door for a Wildcats rushing attack that’s been dominant, led by Avery Johnson and DJ Giddens, who combined for 281 yards on the ground last week.
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Johnson, the sophomore quarterback from Wichita, Kansas, is the heartbeat of this Kansas State offense. With 494 rushing yards and six scores on the ground, paired with 18 passing touchdowns, his dual-threat capabilities make him a challenge for any defense. But in Kansas State’s three losses, Johnson has struggled, throwing six interceptions to just one touchdown pass.
This game may ultimately hinge on how well Iowa State can contain Johnson’s versatility. With the Cyclones allowing significant rushing success this season, Kansas State could exploit that weakness. Yet, with the stakes high and home-field advantage in their favor, Iowa State seems poised to rise to the moment and punch their ticket to the title game.
Prediction: Iowa State 28, Kansas State 23
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