Sportsbook Odds – Utah Tries To Remain Perfect At Iowa State

The Utah Utes need to be careful as they venture on the road. Iowa State pulled off one ambush against Texas Tech on Oct. 2; the Cyclones will try to create trouble for Utah just seven days later.

Sportsbook NCAAF odds makers have them listed as a small favorite but Iowa State could be alive dog.

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Utah Utes @ Iowa State Cyclones

Saturday, October 9th – 7:05 PM ET

Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA

Broadcast: FCS

Sportsbook Odds: Utah -6, Iowa State +6

It was a result no one anticipated. Quarterback Austen Arnaud’s four touchdown passes led Iowa State to a 52-38 win over Texas Tech in a wild shootout last Saturday evening in Ames, Iowa. Arnaud finished 20-of-28 for 190 yards and no interceptions in one of the most prolific games of his mediocre ISU career.

It’s not too shocking that Iowa State beat Texas Tech –that fact isn’t extraordinary in any sense. Texas Tech wasn’t expected to be a terribly accomplished team in 2010, given all the turmoil that flowed through the program from late December of 2009 through August of 2010. Many other teams will beat Texas Tech this year as well.

What’s surprising, though, is the way in which Iowa State prevailed last Saturday. Iowa State – which simply never scores big –rang up 52 points in beating Texas Tech. ISU and Arnaud in particular have not lit up scoreboards over the years, especially not in Big 12 play. Moreover, Texas Tech coach Tommy Tuberville promised a more defense-first attitude as the Red Raiders’ new boss.

Tuberville was supposed to make Tech a more balanced team after the reign of Mike Leach, the pass-happy former coach who lifted Tech to prominence over the past decade. Iowa State clearly scuttled those plans and made a remarkable statement with its rare offensive explosion on Oct. 2. Can ISU sustain its first-rate execution on offense? We’ll find out as the Cyclones take on Utah.

Sportsbook Odds: What Utah Has To Do To Win

The Utes need to make sure that Iowa State and Mr. Arnaud do not get off to a really fast start. The Utah Utes want to slow down this game and make ISU inch the ball down the field. Moreover, coach Kyle Whittingham doesn’t want Arnaud to develop even more confidence after his sterling display against Texas Tech. It’s important for the visitors from Salt Lake City to respect Arnaud before the game, but it’s also essential to attack him once the action starts inside Jack Trice Stadium.

If Utah can throw Arnaud off balance, Iowa State will lose its nerve center and – in a similar but separate vein – the ability to function well as a larger group. Defense offers the Utes their shortest and clearest route to victory on Saturday. If they defend well, they’ll win. Period.

Sportsbook Odds: What Iowa State Has To Do To Win

If Utah’s defense is yearning to get after the Cyclones in this game, the group from Iowa State must then switch gears and have a second game plan installed as a result. Depending on what the Utes choose for their defensive alignments this weekend, ISU and offensive coordinator Tom Herman will need to respond with swiftness and wisdom.

Utah needs to limit Arnaud, while Iowa State’s hopes of an upset depend on Arnaud playing, playing well, and playing frequently.

It is said that if your enemy wants something, he can’t be allowed to have it. If Utah wants to stop Arnaud, then, the focus for the Iowa State offense has to be its ability to devise strategies that will outflank and outmaneuver Utah’s quick and intelligent defense. Iowa State needs to create situations in which Arnaud can flourish, just as he did against Texas Tech.

Sportsbook Odds: Outlook & Pick

Arnaud won’t make the magic last. Iowa State’s quarterback will falter against Utah’s defensive schemes, and the Utes will cover the number without too much of a problem on the road.

Sportsbook Odds Pick: Utah -6

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