In the heart of Big 12 country, the Kansas State Wildcats and Iowa State Cyclones are set to clash in a high-stakes showdown. The Wildcats enter this matchup riding the momentum of a dominant 41-15 win over the Cincinnati Bearcats, improving to 3-2 over their last five games. On the other side, the Cyclones, fresh off a hard-fought 31-28 victory over the Utah Utes, mirror that 3-2 record heading into this pivotal contest.
With both teams surging, this game carries major implications in the conference race. It’s a battle of grit and determination, as two proud programs square off under the bright lights of Big 12 football, each looking to take a crucial step forward.
Kansas State vs. Iowa State Betting Preview
All Kansas State vs. Iowa State odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Nov. 30, 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 pivotal Big 12 showdown, the Wildcats find themselves in an unfamiliar spot—underdogs for the first time this season. Meanwhile, the Cyclones hold all the cards, needing just one more win to secure their spot in the Big 12 Championship Game. Kansas State’s path to Arlington is far murkier, requiring not only a victory but also a favorable domino effect elsewhere in the conference.
Iowa State enters this matchup with confidence, having won three of the last four meetings. But their Achilles’ heel is glaring: run defense. The Cyclones are giving up 5.1 yards per carry, which sets the stage for Kansas State’s formidable ground game. Avery Johnson and DJ Giddens combined for a staggering 281 rushing yards in their last outing and will look to replicate that success.
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Johnson, the sophomore QB out of Wichita, Kansas, is the engine of this Kansas State offense. With 494 rushing yards, six touchdowns on the ground, and 18 through the air, his dual-threat skill set is a nightmare for defenses. However, when the Wildcats lose, Johnson struggles—throwing six interceptions to just one touchdown in their three defeats this season.
For Iowa State, the key will be containing Johnson’s dynamic abilities. Their season-long struggles against the run could leave them vulnerable, giving Kansas State a chance to dictate the game on the ground. But with home-field advantage and a trip to the title game within reach, the Cyclones appear ready to rise to the occasion and punch their ticket to Arlington.
Prediction: Iowa State 28, Kansas State 23
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