The Iowa State Cyclones have had a rough few weeks. They hung in there for a while against both Texas Tech and TCU, but in the end, both teams blew them out. Now, they've got to run into the behemoth known as the Baylor Bears in Waco.
WHEN THE IOWA STATE CYCLONES HAVE THE BALL
It's almost as if this ISU offense just runs out of gas in the second halves of games this year. The team is averaging just 10.4 points per game in the second half, putting up an equal 80 points in both the third and fourth quarters.
These last two weeks though, have been even more disturbing. The Cyclones went a stretch of 31 minutes scoring just three points against Texas Tech from the end of the second quarter through the last minute of the game when Joel Lanning tacked on a meaningless touchdown plunge. Then last week against TCU in a game which was 21-14 Cyclones with 1:49 to play in the first quarter, they went scoreless the rest of the way.
Baylor's defense isn't good at all, and its secondary has been dreadful. However, Art Briles knows what he has on the other side of the ball, and that's why it doesn't matter to him all that much whether his defense does or doesn’t get stops.
That's a strategy which both Texas Tech and TCU proved to run effectively against the Cyclones, and considering the fact that those two teams went 2-0 SU and ATS in the end, that's all that matters.
WHEN THE BAYLOR BEARS HAVE THE BALL
Whatever you do, don't blink when Baylor has the football. Corey Coleman already has 41 catches, 877 yards and a comical 16 touchdown. Jay Lee is "only" playing second fiddle with 494 yards and six scores. Shock Linwood has 803 yards on the ground and eight touchdowns.
But what's most impressive about the Bears is their averages. Linwood is averaging 8.5 yards per rush. Terence Williams and Johnny Jefferson, the backup tailbacks are averaging 6.8 and 6.5 yards per carry. Seth Russell is averaging 11.7 yards per pass attempt and 8.2 yards per carry. Coleman and Lee are averaging 21.4 and 23.5 yards per catch.
All told, the Bears are averaging 719.7 yards per game and 8.9 yards per play. They're good for 21.8 points per game in the first quarter and 17.0 in the second. Sure, they take their foot off the gas pedal just a bit in the second half, but by then, the damage is usually done, and live bettors have already guaranteed themselves victories, even against huge betting lines.
TREND TO TRACK
Baylor is just a point against SMU away from being a 5-0 ATS team against FBS foes to go with its undefeated SU mark as well.
The last time Iowa State came to Waco, it gave up 714 yards and managed just 174 yards, losing 71-7 in a game which was never all that close.
It's really difficult for live bettors to get the timing right in these Baylor games, but the fact of the matter is if Iowa State plays as poorly as it has in recent weeks in the second half, it might not make a difference when you get in as long as you do.
The college football odds for this game were available first at BookMaker Sportsbook at the Baylor Bears -36 with a total of 81. Gamble on the game at every commercial with BookMaker's live betting feature. Along with an adjusted spread and total, you can wager on what will happen on the next drive. Live betting is the most exciting way to play!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone with BookMaker's new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting every. Click here, and start wagering today! Kick off for the game between the Iowa State Cyclones and the Baylor Bears is scheduled for Saturday, October 24, 2015 at 12:00 p.m. ET at McLane Stadium. The duel can be seen live on ESPN.
