Last year, the 2023 Iowa State Cyclones enjoyed a remarkable bounce-back season that ended with a Liberty Bowl berth. Head coach Matt Campbell has often been rumored to be for jobs elsewhere. However, he continues to stay in Ames, Iowa. Campbell has defied the Betting on College Football expectations of history at Iowa State. Previously, when a coach had a good season at ISU, he would quickly move on before the roof caved in. By contrast, Campbell continues to build one of the best cultures in college football. ISU will host FCS North Dakota in the season opener.
North Dakota Fighting Hawks vs. Iowa State Cyclones Betting Information
| Date and Time: | Saturday, August 31, 2024, 3:30 p.m. ET |
|---|---|
| Location: | Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA |
| TV Coverage: | FS1 |
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
North Dakota Fighting Hawks Team Overview
North Dakota will begin the sports betting season ranked No. 22 in the AFCA FCS Preseason Coaches’ Poll. To illuminate, The Missouri Valley Football Conference has seven teams ranked in the preseason poll.
Defending national champion South Dakota State has the top spot and 25 first-place votes. While Florida A&M, at No. 25, has the only other first-place vote. North Dakota State is No. 2, trailed by South Dakota at No. 5. Southern Illinois is just outside the Top 10 at No. 11. Illinois State sits at No. 20, while North Dakota (No. 22) and Youngstown State (No. 23) round out the poll for the MVFC.
Iowa State Cyclones Team Overview
First, Iowa State’s defense is always solid under veteran coordinator Jon Heacock. With nine starters back, there is no reason to expect a drop-off. Still, Iowa State needs more pressure on the quarterback in 2024. The Cyclones struggled to get to the passer last season due in part to the loss of first-round pick Will McDonald. In turn, Iowa State added edge rusher Kenard Snyder through the transfer portal. Tyler Onyedim, Domonique Orange, and Joey Petersen are all solid veterans up front.
Quarterback Rocco Becht is one of the most intriguing young stars in college football. The Big 12’s 2023 Freshman of the Year broke school rookie records for completions, passing yards, and passing touchdowns in a season. He is back with a talented cast around him.
Sophomore running back Abu Sama III returns after having a spectacular second half of the season. In sum, Sama piled up 544 rushing yards in the final six games. Including a 276-yard, three-TD outburst at Kansas State. At 6-foot-7, sophomore tight end Benjamin Brahmer is a massive target who set a school record for receptions by a freshman at his position in 2023. Senior wide receiver Jayden Higgins also had a monstrous second half of 2023. Additionally, throw senior Jaylin Noel into the mix, and Becht will have a plethora of options through the air.
Certainly, Iowa State should be in the mix to compete for a Big 12 title. Ninth-year head coach Matt Campbell has built a winning culture. Now in a new look Big 12 Conference, Iowa State should benefit from Campbell’s consistency. Quarterback Rocco Becht returns to direct the offense, and the Cyclones should have one of the top defenses in the Big 12.
North Dakota at Iowa State SBG Free Picks
In this situation, a good North Dakota team can offer Betting on College Football value as a team that the masses ignore.
North Dakota at Iowa State SBG Best Bet: North Dakota Fighting Hawks.