4* Pinstripe Bowl SMASH

Rutgers vs. Iowa State, 12/30/2011 15:20 EDT, Score: 27 - 13

Point Spread: +1/-110 Iowa State

Sportsbook: DSI

Result: Loss

4* Pinstripe Bowl SMASH on Iowa St. +1
I'm confident Iowa State is the better football team in this matchup. It also enters the postseason with a great deal of confidence and momentum by playing well against the Big 12's best down the stretch. Not only did ISU upset Oklahoma State, but it also earned covers against Oklahoma and K-State to close out the season. The Cyclones are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games versus teams with a winning record.

Iowa State went to UConn early in the season, before it was playing its best football, and beat the Huskies 24-20. Rutgers lost to the Huskies on the road 40-22 in its final game. While like opponent comparisons is not always a good indicator, I believe it paints a pretty clear picture in this case.

Iowa State is the more battle tested team as it has played a much tougher schedule. That will show this afternoon. Take the Cyclones.