Week 7 of the 2025 college football season brings an intriguing game as the Iowa State Cyclones travel to Boulder, Colorado, to take on the Colorado Buffaloes. The game is set for Saturday, October 11, 2025, with a kickoff time of 3:30 PM and will be broadcast on ESPN. Folsom Field, an outdoor stadium, will host this Big 12 conference showdown.
The Iowa State Cyclones enter the game with a strong 5-1 record and are ranked #22 in the AP Poll and #21 in the Coaches Poll. Despite a recent loss to Cincinnati, Iowa State has shown resilience in previous weeks, securing a win against Arizona and maintaining a solid home record. Their road performance has been mixed, with a 1-1 record away from Jack Trice Stadium.
On the other side, the Colorado Buffaloes hold a 2-4 record, struggling in conference play with a 0-3 record. Playing at home, they have achieved a 2-2 record, indicating some competitive play at Folsom Field. Colorado’s recent games include a narrow loss to BYU and a victory over Wyoming, demonstrating their potential to challenge the Cyclones.
Colorado vs Iowa State At a Glance
- Game Location: Folsom Field in Boulder, CO
- Game Time: Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 3:30 PM
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Iowa State Record: 5-1, ranked #22 in AP
- Colorado Record: 2-4, Big 12 Conference
- Odds: Iowa State favored by 3.5 points
Colorado Buffaloes Set to Tackle the Iowa State Cyclones
Offensive Performance
The Colorado Buffaloes’ offense has managed to secure 150 points in the current season, ranking 50th. Their passing game is generating 1,270 yards, putting them at 59th in the rankings. The Buffaloes’ rushing attack has contributed 868 yards, ranking them 62nd.
In terms of first downs, Colorado is positioned at 28th with 115 first downs so far. Last season, the team scored 428 points, placing them 28th, while amassing 4,134 passing yards and ranking 8th in that category. Their rushing yards were significantly lower at 865, ranking 133rd.
Defensive Stance
Defensively, the Buffaloes have allowed 149 points, placing them 92nd. They have been strong on sacks with 9 to their name, ranking 15th overall. Colorado’s defense is notable for their interceptions, boasting 2, which ranks them 3rd.
The team has also recovered 3 fumbles, placing them 6th in this category. Last season, they conceded 300 points, ranking 83rd, with a strong performance in sacks, registering 39 for 11th place. Interceptions and fumbles recovered also saw them in the top rankings, at 16th and 5th respectively.
Recent Game Insights
In their recent outing against TCU Horned Frogs, the Buffaloes fell 35-21. They managed 217 passing yards and 126 rushing yards in that game. However, turnovers were a concern, with 3 fumbles and 3 interceptions.
Earlier, against BYU Cougars, Colorado lost narrowly 24-21 at home. They recorded 119 passing yards and 172 rushing yards. The game featured no fumbles for the Buffaloes, but they did throw one interception.
Key Players to Watch
Kaidon Salter, a key QB for Colorado, has accumulated 901 passing yards and 7 touchdowns over 5 games. Ryan Staub, another QB, contributed 361 yards and 3 touchdowns in 2 appearances. Running back Micah Welch has been effective with 250 rushing yards and 1 touchdown over 6 games.
Wide receiver Omarion Miller leads the team with 17 receptions for 289 yards and 3 touchdowns. On the kicking side, Alejandro Mata has converted 3 field goals and 19 extra points over 6 games. These players are crucial for the Buffaloes’ performance against Iowa State.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – As Favorite: 16-3 (84.2%) in the last 19 games (2020–2025)
- SU – After Loss: 6-1 (85.7%) in the last 7 games (2024–2025)
- ATS – Home Games: 9-3 (75.0%) in the last 12 games (2023–2025)
- ATS – As Favorite: 7-2 (77.8%) in the last 9 games (2024–2025)
- ATS – All Games: 15-8 (65.2%) in the last 23 games (2023–2025)
Iowa State Cyclones: Analyzing the Road Challenges Ahead
Offensive Overview
The Iowa State Cyclones have managed to put up 188 points this season, placing them 25th in scoring. Their passing game has been efficient, accumulating 1,490 yards, earning them a 28th-place ranking. However, their ground attack ranks 53rd with 911 rushing yards.
First downs have been a strong point for the Cyclones, achieving 129 this season, which ranks them 14th in the nation. This efficiency in moving the chains shows their capability to control the tempo and sustain drives. Their offensive line will need to maintain this performance to overcome the challenges posed by Colorado.
Defensive Performance
On the defensive side, the Cyclones have conceded 109 points, ranking 59th in points against. Their pass rush has been formidable with 9 sacks, ranking them 15th, showcasing their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks. They have also been effective at creating turnovers, securing 6 interceptions and 3 fumble recoveries, ranking 7th and 6th respectively.
Despite these impressive stats, Iowa State’s defense needs to remain disciplined and focused on limiting big plays against Colorado. This balance between pressure and containment will be crucial to their success on the road.
Quarterback Contributions
Rocco Becht leads the Cyclones’ quarterback group with 1,417 passing yards, ranking 20th nationally. He’s also thrown 9 touchdowns, placing him 39th among quarterbacks. Becht’s low interception count, just 2 on the season, highlights his efficiency and decision-making skills.
Behind Becht, Alex Manske and Connor Moberly have seen limited action, with Manske contributing 28 passing yards. These backups provide depth but the team heavily relies on Becht’s leadership and performance under center.
Running Back and Receiver Impact
Carson Hansen has been a key contributor in the backfield with 348 rushing yards, ranking 73rd. Abu Sama III complements him with 304 rushing yards, offering a strong one-two punch in the Cyclones’ ground game. Together, they provide balance to the offense, which will be essential against Colorado’s defense.
Wide receiver Brett Eskildsen has been the standout in the receiving corps, hauling in 18 receptions for 321 yards. His ability to stretch the field will be critical in creating opportunities for the offense. Tight end Benjamin Brahmer also provides a reliable target, particularly in the red zone.
Team Betting Trends
- SU – Home Games: Last 6 Games (2024–2025) → 6-0 (100.0%)
- SU – As Favorite: Last 17 Games (2023–2025) → 14-3 (82.4%)
- SU – All Games: Last 20 Games (2023–2025) → 16-4 (80.0%)
- SU – After Win: Last 16 Games (2024–2025) → 13-3 (81.2%)
- SU – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2023–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- SU – Away Games: Last 12 Games (2023–2025) → 9-3 (75.0%)
- ATS – After Loss: Last 7 Games (2023–2025) → 6-1 (85.7%)
- O/U – Away Games: Last 11 Games (2023–2025) → 8-3 (72.7%)
Injury Concerns
Iowa State’s injury report includes several key players listed as questionable, such as wide receivers Daniel Jackson and Carson Brown. The absence of Jontez Williams, who is out for the season, might impact their defensive depth. This injury list could influence their performance, particularly if these players are unavailable against Colorado.
The Cyclones need to adapt and make necessary adjustments to account for these injuries. Depth will be tested, especially in maintaining their defensive and offensive momentum on the road.
Colorado vs Iowa State Prediction: Colorado +3.5
As Iowa State travels to Boulder, they bring a strong 5-1 record and a high ranking of 22nd. They have shown potency on offense, scoring 188 points, which ranks them 25th nationally. However, they are just 1-1 on the road, potentially making them vulnerable against a resilient Colorado team.
Colorado, while facing struggles this season with a 2-4 record, has a noteworthy home performance history. The Buffaloes are 9-3 ATS in their last 12 home games, indicating their competitive nature at Folsom Field. This trend is bolstered by their 75% success rate ATS in home games.
Despite Iowa State’s defensive strengths, especially with their 15th-ranked sacks, Colorado’s ability to cover as underdogs (9-5 ATS) is compelling. Moreover, with a 64.3% ATS record as underdogs in recent games, Colorado has shown they can perform under pressure against tough opponents.
Given the spread and Colorado’s home field advantage, the Buffaloes +3.5 looks attractive. In a close game, I project the final score to favor Iowa State slightly, but not enough to cover the spread: Iowa State 28 – Colorado 27.
- Colorado vs Iowa State Prediction: Colorado +3.5
- Colorado vs Iowa State Score: Iowa State 28 – Colorado 27
