Arizona Wildcats vs Iowa State Cyclones Prediction, Odds and Picks for Saturday, 09/27/25

One of the more intriguing Big 12 games this week is Arizona at Iowa State. Both teams enter the matchup undefeated, and both have wins over Kansas State (although oddly, Arizona’s was apparently not a conference game). Arizona actually dominated Kansas State while Iowa State slipped by, and that ought to be enough to raise our curiosity in this spot as we compare common opponents. My thinking in this spot has to do with several things. First, when the spread is 6.5, Vegas is usually baiting us to take the favorite to cover. Second, Iowa State rarely beats people by multiple scores; they are a classic “win ugly” team. Third, I think Arizona might be better than people think. I don’t know if the Wildcats can win in a tough road environment, but I think this could be a tricky win-no-cover spot for the Cyclones.

Listen, Arizona is different this year. Sure, Tet McMillian is off to the NFL, but that has forced Arizona back to its principles. This offense is a quick tempo, run-first scheme that also has a veteran QB capable of making big time throws. While it is true that up-tempo offenses usually don’t get to do their thing against Iowa State’s defense (they grind down teams like Baylor, Texas Tech, and TCU all the time), I do think Arizona can find success on the ground. With both teams having bye weeks to prepare, I expect both defenses to be studied up and prepared, and if this is a classic low-scoring Iowa State game, then keeping it within a touchdown is very realistic. Give me the points with the Wildcats this week.

Arizona vs Iowa State Prediction: Arizona +6.5 (-110) available at the time of publishing. Playable at that number.