posted July 16, 2008 at 17:54 in NCAA F Props
NCAA Football Week One Odds – South Dakota State at Iowa State
After winning the Great West Football Conference title last season, the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, (7-4 SU, 4-0 conf.) will make their inaugural debut in the Missouri Valley Football Conference in 2008, beginning with their week one online NCAA football wagering matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones, (3-9 SU, 6-12 Conf., 6-5 ATS, 4-7 O/U).
The newest members of the Gateway Football Conference will now be eligible for the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs, which were formerly named the NCAA Division I-AA.
The Jackrabbits averaged 34.2 points per game while limiting their opponents to just 22.2 points per contest.
South Dakota State averaged 165.8 rushing yards per game and 196.6 points per contest through the air, while allowing an atrocious 176.2 yards per game on the ground and another 202.7 through the air and will face what should be a much-improved Iowa State team in this matchup from the one that finished the 2007 season in fine fashion.
In its season under head coach Gene Chizik, Iowa State saved their best football of the season for the final five games which included wins over Kansas State and Colorado.
The Cyclones return seven offensive and defensive starters but still have some big holes to fill after the graduation of quarterback Bret Meyer, a four-year starter who finished his career as Iowa State’s all-time leader in passing (9,499 yards). The Cyclones also need to replace wide receiver Todd Blythe the Cyclone’s all-time receptions leader. Hometown product Austen Arnaud got meaningful playing time last season and will start the season until he falters.
Iowa State made huge strides on defense last season, improving from 102nd nationally and 11th in the Big 12 Conference in 2006 to 65th nationally and seventh in the league in 2007. Senior defensive tackles, Athyba Rubin and Bryce Braaksma, along with standout senior linebacker Alvin “Ace” Bowen are all returning starters and will help lead their younger teammates in 2008.
The Cyclones averaged 123.6 rushing yards per game and 203.2 passing yards per contest while putting up just 18.1 points per contest. Iowa State went 4-2 against the spread, (ATS) at home and 2-3 ATS on the road while recording losing O/U records both, at home, (2-4 O/U) and on the road, (2-3 O/U).
Analysis: I’m going to advise the BetUS online NCAA Football sports wagering community to take the Iowa State Cyclones in this contest as they are playing at home and will likely have a much better team than the one that overachieved immensely last season. Take the Cyclone to cover the spread narrowly.
NCAAF Free Picks: Iowa State -7½ Points
South Dakota State @ Iowa State
South Dakota State +7½ Points -110
Iowa State -7½ Points -120
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