As Week 3 of the 2025 college football season unfolds, the Iowa State Cyclones head to Centennial Bank Stadium to challenge the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Scheduled for a 4:00 PM kickoff, this matchup will be broadcast on ESPN2, providing fans the opportunity to witness the Cyclones, ranked 14th in both the AP and Coaches Polls, test their 3-0 record on the road for the first time this season.
Iowa State has shown its ability to secure victories, highlighted by a narrow 16-13 win over Iowa and a commanding 55-7 win against South Dakota. With a solid home record, the Cyclones will be looking to translate that success to an away setting against a team from the Sun Belt Conference.
Meanwhile, Arkansas State enters the game with a 1-1 record, rebounding from a tough 56-14 loss to Arkansas by capitalizing on home advantage against Southeast Missouri State. The Red Wolves aim to maintain their home winning ways and pose a significant challenge to the visiting Cyclones.
Arkansas State vs Iowa State At a Glance
- Game Date & Time: Saturday, September 13, 2025, at 4:00 PM
- Venue: Centennial Bank Stadium in Jonesboro, AR
- TV Channel: ESPN2
- Iowa State Record: 3-0 this season
- Arkansas State Record: 1-1 this season
- Game Odds: Iowa State favored by 21 points
Arkansas State Red Wolves: Analyzing the Road Ahead for the Red Wolves
Quarterback Performance
Jaylen Raynor, leading the charge as Arkansas State’s quarterback, has thrown for 470 yards over two games. Ranking 52nd in passing yards, he stands out as a key player for the Red Wolves’ offense. With four passing touchdowns, Raynor is making his mark as an impactful player in the early season.
Raynor’s performance in the game against Southeast Missouri State was particularly strong, contributing significantly to the team’s 42-24 win. However, his showing against Arkansas was less effective, with the team struggling to keep up offensively.
Running Back Dynamics
Kenyon Clay and Devin Spencer have been pivotal in the rushing game for Arkansas State. Clay has accumulated 69 rushing yards, while Spencer leads the pack with 73 yards. Both players have recorded one rushing touchdown each, contributing to the team’s ground game efforts.
Ja’Quez Cross’s absence due to a torn ACL is a significant loss for the Red Wolves. His injury means the team will need to rely more heavily on the remaining backs to drive their rushing attack forward.
Wide Receiver Contributions
Chauncy Cobb has been a standout receiver with nine receptions totaling 135 yards. His performance ranks him 90th in receiving yards, making him a key target for Raynor. Corey Rucker and Jaylen Bonelli have also made notable contributions, each with a receiving touchdown.
Rucker’s receiving yards stand at 79, while Bonelli has managed to gather 52 yards, showcasing depth in the receiving corps. This depth will be crucial as Arkansas State continues its season against formidable opponents.
Defense and Turnover Insights
Arkansas State’s defense has been active in forcing turnovers, recovering one fumble and securing two interceptions so far. Ranking 3rd in interceptions, the defense has shown its capability to disrupt opposing offenses. However, the team has allowed 80 points against, which places them 66th in this category, indicating room for improvement.
The defensive line has also been effective in applying pressure, with three sacks recorded, ranking 8th nationally. This pressure will be vital in upcoming games to contain high-powered offenses.
Betting Trends
- SU All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- SU in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- ATS All Games: 1-1 (50.0%)
- ATS in Away Games: 0-1 (0.0%)
- O/U All Games: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U in Away Games: 1-0 (100.0%)
Key Matchup: Iowa State Cyclones Set to Challenge Arkansas State
Offensive Performance
Iowa State’s offense has been off to a solid start this season, with a total of 95 points, ranking them 10th in scoring. Their passing game has been particularly effective, accumulating 623 yards, placing them 24th in the nation. However, their rushing attack is slightly behind with 459 yards, ranking 27th.
Rocco Becht leads the passing charge for the Cyclones, having already thrown for 595 yards and six touchdowns across three games. His performance places him at the top of the league for both passing yards and touchdowns. With no interceptions thus far, Becht’s decision-making has been a crucial asset for Iowa State’s offense.
Defensive Strength
Defensively, Iowa State has shown resilience, allowing just 41 points over three games, which positions them 31st nationally. The Cyclones’ defensive line has been aggressive, securing five sacks, which is the sixth-best tally in the country. Their secondary has also been active, with three interceptions placing them fourth nationally.
The Cyclones’ ability to recover fumbles adds another layer to their defense, with two recoveries ranking them fourth. This well-rounded defensive performance has been a cornerstone of their early-season success. Their defense will need to maintain this level of play against Arkansas State’s offensive threats.
Key Players to Watch
On the ground, Carson Hansen has been leading the rushing attack with 136 yards, ranking 91st, and has been a consistent performer. Abu Sama III has also contributed significantly with 113 rushing yards and a touchdown. Brett Eskildsen is leading the receiving corps with 162 yards and a touchdown, providing a reliable target for Becht.
On the defensive side, the linebacker unit, despite injuries, has been crucial in maintaining the Cyclones’ defensive strength. The team’s ability to keep their opponents at bay will be crucial in their upcoming matchup against Arkansas State. Kyle Konrardy’s kicking accuracy, with six field goals made, has also been pivotal in tight games.
Injury Concerns
Iowa State is dealing with a lengthy injury list, which includes key players such as Daniel Jackson and Carson Willich. The uncertain status of these players could impact the Cyclones’ depth, especially on defense. The coaching staff will need to navigate these challenges carefully to keep the team competitive.
The Cyclones’ ability to adapt and fill these potential gaps could be a deciding factor in their upcoming game. Maintaining the current defensive form despite these injuries will be vital to their success on the road.
Team Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- SU as Favorite: 2-0 (100.0%)
- ATS Last 3: 3-0 (100.0%)
- ATS as Favorite: 2-0 (100.0%)
- O/U All Games: 1-2 (33.3%)
- O/U as Favorite: 1-1 (50.0%)
Arkansas State vs Iowa State Prediction: Iowa State -21.0
Iowa State has been impressive this season with a 3-0 record, placing them at the top of the Big 12 Conference. Their offensive and defensive stats are strong, ranking 10th in points for and 31st in points against. Given their momentum and ranking, they are well-positioned to cover the -21.0 spread.
On the other hand, Arkansas State holds a 1-1 record and faces a tough challenge against the Cyclones. Despite playing at home, they are up against a team that has already covered a similar spread against them last year. Their current form and Iowa State’s strength indicate a likely uphill battle.
The Cyclones’ ability to score, combined with their defensive capabilities, further supports their chances of covering the spread. With Iowa State’s previous victory over Arkansas State by a wide margin last season, history favors another strong performance. This data suggests a comfortable win for Iowa State.
Considering all factors, Iowa State’s superior form and the significant difference in team strengths point to them covering the spread. A projected score of Iowa State 45 – Arkansas State 17 aligns with this expectation.
- Arkansas State vs Iowa State Prediction: Iowa State -21.0
- Arkansas State vs Iowa State Score: Iowa State 45 – Arkansas State 17
