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Iowa State vs. Clemson Prediction and Odds for Cheez-It Bowl

By Reed Wallach

A bowl full of Cheez-It crackers are seen in the trophy on a table with football helmets for Clemson
A bowl full of Cheez-It crackers are seen in the trophy on a table with football helmets for Clemson / Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen /
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Two teams that had College Football Playoffs to start the season meet in the Cheez-It Bowl when Clemson faces Iowa State.

It was an underwhelming season for both sides, Iowa State went 7-5 and Clemson went 9-3, but this has all the makings of one of the marquee matchups of bowl season, so let's break down the odds from WynnBET Sportsbook.

Iowa State vs. Clemson Odds, Spread and Total

Spread:

  • Iowa State: +2.5 (-110)
  • Clemson: -2.5 (-110)

Moneyline:

  • Iowa State: +115
  • Clemson: -135

Total: 44 (Over -110/Under -110)

Clemson vs. Iowa State Betting Trends

  • Clemson went 4-8 ATS this season
  • Iowa State went 5-7 ATS this season, 0-1 as underdogs
  • Clemson went UNDER in 7 of 12 games this season

Iowa State vs. Clemson Prediction and Pick

This is one of the bowl games where one has to wonder where the motivation will be after both teams fell way short of their lofty goals. While I do think we see a spirited effort from the Cyclones, it's worth noting that star running back Breece Hall opted out of this bowl game.

Hall was the fulcrum of the Iowa State offense, rushing for over 1,400 yards and 20 touchdowns and will put senior quarterback Brock Purdy in a precarious position against the best unit on the field in the Clemson defense.

The Tigers offensive struggles were buoyed by their dominant defense that allowed 15 points per game and less than 4.5 yards per play. Overall, they were 10th in success rate and allowed touchdowns on just 31% of opponent's red zone tries.

The offense sputtered with D.J. Uiagalelei under center, ranking 99th in success rate, so this may be setting up for a rock fight.

I have no interest in the pregame side given the motivation questions for each side, but I will be looking at the total as my best bet. Clemson figures to attack the Cyclones on the ground to avoid turnovers from Uiagaleli, but this is a stout defensive line that allowed just 3.5 yards per carry.

I'll take the 1H under as I expect a slow start with both defenses set to thrive during the scripted portion of the game.

PICK: 1H Under 21.5

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