The Oklahoma State Cowboys, ranked 24th in the AP poll, travel to Ames, IA, for a Week 9 encounter against the Iowa State Cyclones. With a current season record of 5-2, the Cowboys have shown strong performances, particularly at home, but will be looking to improve their 1-2 road record. Jack Trice Stadium will host this Big 12 showdown under the Saturday night lights, broadcasted on FS1. The Iowa State Cyclones have had a challenging season so far, standing at 3-4 with a 1-3 conference record. However, they have demonstrated resilience at home, with a 3-1 record at Jack Trice Stadium. Facing a tough opponent, Iowa State will aim to leverage their home-field advantage and bounce back from recent setbacks. Oklahoma State enters the game with momentum from their recent high-scoring victory over Colorado, where they racked up 57 points. In contrast, Iowa State is coming off a tough road loss to Arizona, where they struggled offensively. The Cowboys' potent offense will pose a significant challenge for the Cyclones' defense in this pivotal Big 12 matchup.

Iowa State vs Oklahoma State At a Glance (Week 9)

  • Game Venue: Jack Trice Stadium in Ames, IA
  • Game Date & Time: Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 7:00 PM
  • Broadcast Info: FS1 will televise the game
  • Oklahoma State Record: 5-2 overall, 1-2 on the road
  • Iowa State Record: 3-4 overall, 3-1 at home
  • Betting Odds: Oklahoma State is favored with a -378 moneyline

Iowa State Cyclones Gear Up for Showdown at Jack Trice Stadium

Offensive Overview

The Iowa State Cyclones have been working to find their rhythm on offense this season. They have accumulated 181 points, ranking them 68th nationally. Their passing game has struggled, producing only 1238 yards and placing them 120th in the country.

On the ground, the Cyclones have shown more promise, rushing for 1142 yards and securing the 63rd spot. First downs have come relatively steadily with 129, ranking them 55th. Consistency in both passing and rushing will be key for a balanced attack.

Defensive Stance

Defensively, Iowa State has been resilient, allowing 169 points, ranking them 90th. Their pass rush has been effective with 10 sacks, which places them 19th. Turnover creation has been a highlight, with the Cyclones ranking 3rd in interceptions and 6th in fumbles recovered.

This opportunistic defense will be looking to capitalize on any mistakes by their opponents. The ability to maintain pressure and create turnovers will be pivotal in their upcoming game.

Key Players to Watch

Quarterback Jaylen Raynor has been leading the Cyclones' offense with 1107 passing yards and 7 touchdowns. His performance will be crucial in orchestrating the offense. Running back Aiden Flora has been a standout performer, rushing for 716 yards and scoring 6 touchdowns.

Wide receiver Omari Hayes has been a reliable target, accumulating 237 receiving yards. On the defensive side, look for the Cyclones' playmakers to step up, particularly in the secondary and pass rush.

Recent Performance

The Cyclones have had mixed results in their recent games, with a record of 2-3. Their most notable win was a high-scoring 45-42 game against West Virginia. However, they suffered a significant 39-3 loss to Arizona, highlighting areas for improvement.

Returning to Jack Trice Stadium, Iowa State will aim to leverage their home advantage. A return to form on both sides of the ball will be critical for success in the upcoming matchup.

Injury Concerns

Iowa State has several players dealing with injuries, including wide receivers Jordyn Bailey and Evan Boyd, both out for the season. Defensive end Caden Crawford and cornerback Beni Ngoyi are questionable, which could impact the defense.

The Cyclones will need their depth to step up in these players' absences. Monitoring the injury report closely will be important as game day approaches.

Iowa State Top Betting Trends

  • SU - As Favorite: Last 5 Games (2025–2026) → 5-0 (100.0%)
  • SU - Home Games: Last 18 Games (2024–2026) → 14-4 (77.8%)
  • O/U - Home Games: Last 3 Games (2026) → 3-0 (100.0%)
  • SU - After Win: Last 22 Games (2024–2026) → 16-6 (72.7%)
  • SU - All Games: Last 30 Games (2024–2026) → 19-11 (63.3%)

Oklahoma State Cowboys Prepare for Away Challenge

Quarterback Performance

Drew Mestemaker leads the Cowboys' offense with impressive passing stats. In seven games, he has accumulated 2,326 passing yards, ranking 1st in the league. His ability to find the end zone with 20 touchdowns and only 6 interceptions makes him a critical asset for Oklahoma State.

Broderick Vehrs, the backup quarterback, has seen limited action with only 8 passing attempts across two games. He has managed to contribute 61 passing yards and one touchdown without any interceptions.

Running Back Contributions

Caleb Hawkins stands out in the Cowboys' rushing attack with 712 rushing yards over seven games. His performance is complemented by 25 receptions for 272 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility on the field.

Supporting Hawkins, Ayo Adeyi and Tre Page III provide depth in the backfield. Adeyi has accumulated 200 rushing yards and Page III has added 113 rushing yards, each contributing a touchdown.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends

The Cowboys' receiving corps is spearheaded by Wyatt Young and Justin Bowick. Young leads the team with 639 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns, while Bowick has 607 yards and 7 touchdowns, making them a formidable duo.

Tight end Carson Kolb, despite being questionable with an ankle injury, has been productive with 58 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. His potential absence could impact the passing game.

Defensive Strengths

Oklahoma State's defense has shown resilience, ranked 8th in interceptions with seven on the season. The unit is also effective at creating pressure, with 15 sacks ranking them 14th in the league.

The Cowboys' defense will look to maintain their strength against the pass, crucial for keeping their upcoming opponent in check.

Team Betting Trends

  • ATS - As Underdog: 7-0 in last 7 games (100.0%)
  • ATS - All Games: 6-0 in last 6 games (100.0%)
  • O/U - All Games: 4-0 in last 4 games (100.0%)
  • ATS - After Win: 4-0 in last 4 games (100.0%)
  • SU - As Favorite: 23-7 in last 30 games (76.7%)

Iowa State vs Oklahoma State Week 9 Prediction: Oklahoma State -10

Oklahoma State enters Week 9 as a 10-point favorite against Iowa State, fueled by an impressive offensive season. They rank 4th in passing yards and 11th in points scored, showing a robust attack. Their recent 57-24 victory over Colorado further solidifies their status as a powerful team on both sides of the ball.

Iowa State faces a daunting challenge, especially coming off a heavy 39-3 defeat against Arizona. Despite their strong home record, the Cyclones' inconsistent performance, particularly on offense, puts them at a disadvantage. Their low ranking in passing yards suggests potential struggles against Oklahoma State's efficient defense.

The Cowboys' success against the spread this season (6-0 ATS) further supports the expectation that they can cover the 10-point spread. Oklahoma State's formidable offensive and defensive metrics make them a solid pick to outpace the Cyclones. Additionally, their recent winning streak highlights their ability to perform well under pressure.

Considering the historical performance and current form, Oklahoma State is poised to dominate the game. A projected score of 42-17 in favor of the Cowboys aligns with their offensive capabilities and defensive prowess, covering the spread against the Cyclones.

  • Iowa State vs Oklahoma State Prediction: Oklahoma State -10
  • Iowa State vs Oklahoma State Score: Oklahoma State 42 - Iowa State 17

Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Stay Ahead

Get more picks and sports insights in your inbox

Subscribe to the Knup newsletter for weekly CFB previews, sports business notes, and ecosystem updates.

Subscribe to Knup View All CFB Picks