There’s an old sports betting rule, “it’s not who you play, but when you play.” 

The Wildcats must travel to Ames, IA to take on the Cyclones of Iowa State, before going back home to play in one of the most anticipated match-ups this season vs the Auburn Tigers.  KSU will need to keep their heads in the game and not look past, what seems to be a below average Iowa State football team.  

The Cyclones were humiliated at home last week by North Dakota State giving up over 500 yards of total offense.  The Bison were able to keep the Cyclones scoreless in the second half.  Meanwhile in Manhattan, KS the Wildcats were having their way with Stephen F. Austin, racking up over 270 yards rushing, leading to a 55-16 rout.  Which brings me to the next golden rule of sports betting, “Teams are never as good or bad, as their previous game.” 

I believe it’s the intangibles that keep this game within reach for the Cyclones.  Here are a few… 

• Revenge: Iowa State was destroyed last year 41-7. They didn’t score until the final 3 minutes of the game, with a 3^rd down conversion rate of 27%.
• Dignity: Getting beat at home by a FCS school and getting another opportunity at home to gain back their self-worth.
• Leadership: 15 returning starters, including 4 on the Offensive Line. The have the experience to execute a winning game plan.
• Respect: 81% of the country thinks they lose by double digits at home…AGAIN. 

KSU is ranked and respected by the media, but I’ll take my chances with Iowa State having something to prove. 

Consider Iowa State +12 

Good Luck! 

Smitty

Greg Smith is a sports handicapper at Only Best Bets and writer for The Saturday Edge. You can follow Greg on Twitter throughout the college football season @onlybestbets.