Cincinnati Bearcats vs Iowa St. Cyclones prediction, odds and best bet
Iowa State will beat Cincinnati 31-28 in our forecast, with the Cyclones’ red-zone efficiency against Cincinnati’s struggling third-down defense providing the strongest matchup reason. The Bearcats’ productive offense makes a close finish likely. Neither Iowa State -3 (-112) nor the total of 60.5 offers enough value for an actionable wager, so the official SportsJaw betting recommendation is Pass.
Cincinnati Bearcats vs Iowa St. Cyclones prediction and best bet
Iowa State gets the pick because its offense has a promising route to sustained scoring drives. Cincinnati allows opponents to convert 44.3% of third downs, while the Cyclones have scored on every red-zone trip this season, according to the Associated Press preview. That combination favors Iowa State in a game we expect to stay close.
The best betting decision is Pass. Our Iowa State 31, Cincinnati 28 projection matches the three-point spread and sits only 1.5 points below the total. Those narrow margins leave little room for error, especially with Cincinnati’s offensive production and Cole Tabb’s injury uncertainty complicating the forecast.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game time: Saturday, November 14, 2026, at noon EST. This is a 2026 college football matchup between visiting Cincinnati and host Iowa State.
Venue: Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, Iowa.
Broadcast: TNT.
Records: Cincinnati Bearcats 5-4; Iowa St. Cyclones 4-5.
SportsJaw odds: Cincinnati Bearcats +3 (-108); Iowa St. Cyclones -3 (-112). Moneyline: Cincinnati Bearcats +132; Iowa St. Cyclones -155. Total: Over 60.5 (-108); Under 60.5 (-110).