Kansas Jayhawks vs Iowa State Cyclones Picks and Predictions – November 22nd 2025
Kansas and Iowa State meet in a matchup that carries significant postseason implications as both programs return from a bye. The Jayhawks enter at 5-5 and sit one win away from bowl eligibility, while the Cyclones arrive at 6-4 and already secured their postseason berth. Saturday afternoon in Ames provides an opportunity for Kansas to extend its season and for Iowa State to strengthen its conference standing.
Kansas seeks to correct red-zone and third-down struggles that defined its narrow 24-20 loss at Arizona. Jalon Daniels remains the focal point of the Jayhawks offense, pairing steady rushing production with an efficient passing profile. Daniels’ dual-threat skill set mirrors many of the modern principles illustrated in breakdowns such as the guide to alternate totals and the fundamentals behind moneyline strategy, where adaptability matters across game states.
Iowa State enters off a 20-17 comeback win over TCU, leaning on defense and late-game situational execution. The Cyclones’ ability to create short fields and leverage turnovers is reinforced by concepts explained in the broader discussion of turnover-driven betting edges. With a defense that remains disciplined and opportunistic, Iowa State is well positioned as a home favorite
Odds and Key Information
Venue: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames, IA
Date: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Line: Iowa State -7.5 | Total: 48.5
Market movement and pricing can be monitored through NCAAF odds and scores, with edges enhanced by resources like how betting odds work and unit management.
Kansas Jayhawks Outlook
Kansas continues to lean on Jalon Daniels as the foundational piece of its offense. Daniels has completed 65.1 percent of his passes for 2,190 yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 345 yards. His dual-threat nature forces defenses into horizontal stress, reflected in Iowa State’s emphasis on gap integrity.
Daniels’ efficiency and ball distribution mirror many of the traits highlighted in materials such as the beginner’s betting fundamentals and the 1st-quarter markets overview. Kansas’ offense maintains rhythm when Daniels can dictate tempo, particularly in early downs.
Kansas’ red-zone inefficiency has hindered late-game execution. The Jayhawks schedule red-zone and third-down segments at the end of practice to simulate pressure states—an approach that aligns with the analytical principles behind probability-based strategy. If Kansas can sustain drives and finish possessions with touchdowns rather than field goals, the matchup condenses.
Defensively, Kansas must contain Iowa State’s rushing attack and force the Cyclones into long down-and-distance situations. Game state leverage is explained in resources such as point-spread dynamics and double-chance structures.
Injury Report – Kansas
Gable Burkle (TE) – Out, Leg
Caleb Bacon (LB) – Expected to return
Iowa State Cyclones Outlook
Iowa State enters with renewed momentum after its comeback win at TCU. Quarterback Drake Lindsey has passed for 1,881 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six interceptions. While not explosive, he manages the offense with discipline and relies on structured progressions.
The Cyclones’ ability to control tempo mirrors broader frameworks such as hedge-bet strategy and the analytical value of pace management. Running back Darius Taylor’s return is a critical variable, providing inside-zone power with perimeter speed.
Iowa State’s defense remains the differentiator. The Cyclones rank near the top of the conference in forced turnovers and are structurally equipped to contain mobile quarterbacks. Their gap discipline and rotational depth allow them to manage scramble lanes—an essential factor against Daniels. These traits align with the broader mechanics detailed in guides such as teaser fundamentals and props frameworks.
Injury Report – Iowa State
Gable Burkle (TE) – Out
Caleb Bacon (LB) – Expected to play
Key Matchup Table
| Category | Edge |
|---|---|
| QB Mobility | Kansas |
| Red-Zone Efficiency | Iowa State |
| Defensive Turnovers | Iowa State |
| Explosive Plays | Kansas |
Guides such as the parlay overview and risk management frameworks offer insight into how matchup edges influence betting combinations across correlated outcomes.
Betting Trends
Kansas is 4-1 ATS in its last five road games.
Iowa State is 5-2 ATS in home conference games.
Kansas is 6-2 to the over in its last eight November contests.
Iowa State unders have hit in four of its last six.
The Prediction
Iowa State holds structural advantages at home: consistency in the run game, a disciplined defense, and a more stable situational profile. Kansas brings the most dynamic player in the matchup, but its red-zone inconsistency and reliance on Daniels’ improvisation introduce volatility.
Expect Iowa State to control tempo through Taylor and early-down efficiency, forcing Kansas into long fields. The Cyclones are positioned to generate multiple stops in high-leverage situations.
Projected Score: Iowa State 27, Kansas 20
Spread Pick: Iowa State -7.5
Total Lean: Under 48.5


