Cy-Hawk Showdown Headlines Big Saturday of College Football Betting in Iowa
Iowa football fans have a full slate of action this Saturday, headlined by the annual Cy-Hawk rivalry game between Iowa State and Iowa. For those looking to add some excitement to the games, BetMGM is offering new users a bonus code that can deliver up to $1,500 in bonus bets.
The BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS gives new customers $150 in bonus bets if their first wager wins, or up to $1,500 in bonus bets if the qualifying bet loses. The promotion is available in states where BetMGM operates, including Iowa.
Cy-Hawk Rivalry: Under 41.5 Total Points
The marquee matchup for Iowa fans pits Iowa State against Iowa in a game that has historically been a defensive struggle. SportsLine expert Micah Roberts is backing the Under on 41.5 total points.
“Iowa and Iowa State have stayed Under the total in seven of their last nine meetings against each other, and I think they're going to stay under this time, too, on the basis of both teams getting new quarterbacks,” Roberts said.
Both programs are breaking in new signal-callers. Iowa added 16 players through the transfer portal but did not bring in a quarterback to replace Mark Gronowski. Iowa State lost quarterback Rocco Becht and head coach Matt Campbell to Penn State, leaving Arkansas State transfer Jaylen Raynor to take the reins.
“No starters return on offense or defense for Iowa State,” Roberts noted. “But this rivalry will have them play better than they are, and the game will stay close. Under is the play.”
Ohio State vs. Texas: A Rematch with National Title Implications
While the Cy-Hawk game dominates local interest, the biggest game on the national slate features No. 1 Ohio State traveling to face No. 4 Texas. The matchup pits quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning against each other for the second straight year.
SportsLine expert Josh Nagel is backing the Longhorns to avenge last year's 14-7 loss to the Buckeyes.
“Last year, the Buckeyes managed a 14-7 victory over the Longhorns in a defensive battle,” Nagel said. “Quarterbacks Julian Sayin and Arch Manning each put up modest numbers in their respective big-stage debuts, but Sayin's late TD pass to Carnell Tate was a difference-maker. Now, the scene shifts to Austin for the rematch.”
Nagel points to home-field advantage and expected 90-degree heat in Austin as factors favoring Texas. He also noted that the Longhorns' defense held Heisman candidate Jeremiah Smith to just 43 yards on six catches.
USC Looks to Cover Big Spread Against Louisiana
In other action, No. 14 USC is a heavy 31.5-point favorite over Louisiana. The Trojans are averaging 40.5 points per game through their first two contests, including a 39-0 shutout of Fresno State last week.
Quarterback Jayden Maiava leads the nation with 695 passing yards and threw for 3,711 yards with 30 total touchdowns last season. The SportsLine model projects USC to cover in 68% of simulations.
Saturday Parlay Offers +534 Payout
Combining the three picks into a parlay at BetMGM would result in a payout of +534, meaning a $100 wager would profit $534. The three legs are:
- Texas (-125) to defeat Ohio State
- Iowa State vs. Iowa: Under 41.5 total points (-118)
- USC (-31.5) vs. Louisiana (-110)
How to Claim the BetMGM Bonus Code
New users can claim the BetMGM bonus code CBSSPORTS to take advantage of this offer. The promotion is subject to eligibility requirements based on location.
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