Iowa State vs. Colorado Picks and Prediction for Saturday, October 11, 2025

By: Jake Allman Updated 10/10/2025, 10:46 PM ET

The Iowa State Cyclones travel to Boulder to face the Colorado Buffaloes on Saturday afternoon in Big 12 action. Kickoff is set for 3:30 PM ET at Folsom Field, with ESPN carrying the broadcast. Iowa State enters at 5-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, while Colorado sits at 2-4 and is searching for its first Big 12 win. The Cyclones are coming off a road loss at Cincinnati, while Colorado dropped a two-score game at TCU. According to ESPN Analytics, Iowa State holds a 63.1% chance to win. Looking for today’s college football picks? Don’t miss our expert breakdowns.

Iowa State Preview

Iowa State has been effective offensively through six games, averaging over 30 points per contest behind quarterback Rocco Becht. Becht has thrown for 1,417 yards on 109-of-168 passing with nine touchdowns and just two interceptions, showing steady command of the offense. Running back Carson Hansen adds balance with 348 rushing yards on 79 carries, keeping defenses honest. Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen has become Becht’s most reliable target, pulling in 18 catches for 321 yards and two scores. Iowa State’s balanced attack has kept pressure off the line, allowing the Cyclones to control tempo. Linebacker Marcus Neal Jr. leads the team with 39 tackles, helping anchor a defense that has limited big plays through most of the season.

Colorado Preview

Colorado’s season has followed a tougher script. The Buffaloes have dropped three straight conference games despite competitive efforts. Quarterback Kaidon Salter has been productive, throwing for 901 yards and seven touchdowns while completing 65% of his passes. The backfield is paced by Micah Welch, who’s rushed for 250 yards on 52 carries, but consistency has been a concern. Wideout Omarion Miller provides the spark in the passing game, posting 289 yards and three touchdowns on 17 receptions. Colorado’s issue has been finishing drives; they’ve struggled to capitalize in the red zone, leading to long droughts. On defense, safety Tawfiq Byard’s 40 tackles highlight an aggressive secondary, but the front seven has struggled to generate consistent pressure, recording just four sacks across six games.

Iowa State vs Colorado Prediction

This matchup favors Iowa State’s steadier play on both sides of the ball. The Cyclones’ ability to run effectively and win the turnover margin should translate well on the road against a Colorado team still trying to find its way. If Becht stays mistake-free, Iowa State should control possession and keep Colorado chasing. The Cyclones’ defense and balanced offense should dictate the pace, while Colorado’s inconsistency in finishing drives points toward a lower-scoring outcome.

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Prediction: Iowa State 31, Colorado 20