Iowa State, currently ranked No. 18 with a 3-0 record, is set to face Houston (1-3, 0-1) in a game scheduled for Saturday at 7 p.m. ET airing on FS1. BetMGM College Football Odds predict Iowa State as the favorite by 13 1/2 points. This matchup marks the first meeting between the two teams.

With Iowa State aiming to start a season 4-0 for the first time since 2000, head coach Matt Campbell is eyeing his program-record 57th coaching win, seeking to surpass Dan McCarney’s record. On the other side, Houston looks to end a four-game losing streak in Big 12 games and avoid its first 1-4 start since 2004. The Cougars have struggled against ranked teams, last securing a win against No. 19 SMU on Oct. 30, 2021.

One crucial matchup to watch is Iowa State’s pass defense against Houston’s quarterbacks; Iowa State leads the Big 12 in pass defense, while Houston’s offense is seeking a turnaround after being shut out by Cincinnati in their last game. Houston’s Donovan Smith is set to start, with Zeon Chriss also expected to see playing time.

Players to keep an eye on during the game include Iowa State’s emerging running back Jaylon Jackson, who has been a spark in their offense, and Houston’s linebacker Michael Batton, a standout on the defensive end leading the team in tackles and tackles for losses.

Some key facts and figures surrounding the game include Matt Campbell’s successful record at Iowa State, where he is the only coach with a winning record among those who have stayed for at least five years. Houston has a 6-8 record against ranked teams at home since TDECU Stadium opened in 2014. Iowa State boasts an impressive streak of 38 consecutive trips to the red zone converted. Furthermore, Iowa State has excelled in winning the turnover battle, with a 35-9 record under Campbell when achieving this feat.

For Houston, their defense has been a strong point, ranking 24th nationally in total defense by allowing just 269.5 yards per game. Iowa State’s Rocco Becht has been impressive with two or more touchdown passes in seven consecutive games, while Jayden Higgins has caught a touchdown pass in five straight games, tying a school record.