Iowa State Cyclones vs Washington State Cougars Point Spread Picks

VALERO ALAMO BOWL - Coach Matt Campbell deserves accolades for turning around the Iowa State program, and the Cyclones have enjoyed their finest season in several years with an 8-4 record while winning seven of their last eight games, including big wins over Oklahoma State and West Virginia while losing only to Texas. The Cyclones have done it with a stout defense that allowed only 22.5 points per game, which is especially impressive playing a Big 12 conference schedule. Iowa State is #32 in the country in yards allowed (351.0 per game). Brock Purdy took over the quarterbacking duties in midseason, and the true freshman responded with 16 touchdowns and five interceptions while throwing for 1,935 yards and a 66.3 percent completion rate. Washington State may be a bit disappointed to be playing in the Alamo Bowl after setting its sights higher with a 10-2 record. However, the Cougar offense couldn't produce on a snowy night against Washington and was outgained 487-237, including only 152 passing yards. Iowa State beat Memphis, 21-20, in the 2017 Liberty Bowl as a 3.5-point underdog, and the Cyclones are a dog again, even though it's a better team than last year and playing a disinterested opponent. Iowa State is 7-4-1 UNDER this season and it's 4-0-1 UNDER its last five non-conference games. Also, the Cyclones are 11-1-1 UNDER their last 13 games following a win and 6-0-1 UNDER their last seven non-conference games. Washington State is 7-2-1 UNDER its last 10 games after a loss. Play Iowa State on the moneyline and the UNDER.