Utah Running Utes vs Iowa St. Cyclones Predictions September 26, 2026
Utah will beat Iowa State, 27-20, with Devon Dampier’s efficient passing giving the Utes the strongest offensive advantage. Both teams have defended the run well, making Utah’s ability to generate offense through the air particularly valuable. Iowa State’s defense keeps the projected margin close, but neither the supplied eight-point spread nor the 47.5 total offers a strong enough edge. The official recommendation is Pass.
Utah Running Utes vs Iowa St. Cyclones prediction and best bet
Utah gets the winner selection because its offensive production gives it more room to adapt if the running game stalls. The Utes average 518.0 yards per game, compared with Iowa State’s 355.0, and Dampier has completed 72 percent of his passes. Against a Cyclones defense allowing only 83.3 rushing yards per game, that passing efficiency is central to the forecast.
The betting decision is less clear. Iowa State’s defense makes taking eight points tempting, but Utah has its own answer to the Cyclones’ rushing attack. A projected seven-point margin leaves little separation from the spread. Pass is the best betting decision, with Utah the pick to win.
Odds, game time and how to watch
Game: Saturday, September 26, 2026, at 2:30 p.m. Central. This is a 2026 college football matchup.
Venue: MidAmerican Energy Field at Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, Iowa. Broadcast: FOX.
Records: Utah 3-0; Iowa State 2-1. This is Utah’s first road game and Big 12 opener.
SportsJaw spread: Utah -8 (-110); Iowa State +8 (-110). Moneyline: Utah -335; Iowa State +270.
SportsJaw total: Over 47.5 (-115); Under 47.5 (-105).
Weather context: Utah coach Morgan Scalley anticipated rain in his Monday comments; that was his expectation, not a confirmed game-day forecast.