Utah vs. Iowa State Recap: Wayshawn Parker Carries the Utes

Utah beat Iowa State 31-17, and it started fast. Wayshawn Parker ran 54 yards for a touchdown on Utah's first snap, and the Utes led 24-3 at halftime. Iowa State came back in the second half with touchdown drives of 82 and 81 yards to cut it to 24-17 early in the fourth quarter. After an exchange of punts, Utah put together a 61-yard drive capped by Parker's 13-yard catch from Devon Dampier, and Jackson Bennee intercepted Jaylen Raynor on the next snap. Utah ran for 205 yards and had no turnovers, while Iowa State threw two interceptions. Four DARIMARKET plays cashed on this game.

What cashed

Utah ML (-319 at FanDuel): CASHED

• Our read: Utah had allowed 24 points in three games, including a 43-10 win over Arkansas. Iowa State had scored 13 at Iowa. Called by Darius.
• What happened: Utah won by 14. Iowa State got within seven early in the fourth, and its next possession was a three-and-out. Utah's touchdown with 2:58 left and the interception that followed closed it out.
• Worth watching: The defense read held up early, with Iowa State at 3 points at halftime, and the price fits a parlay leg.

ALT: Utah -2.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Utah's defense ranked top 10 against both the pass and the run, and Iowa State's offense was 81st in SP+. The main line was -7.5, and the alt only needed a field-goal win. Called by Darius.
• What happened: Utah won by 14, covering by 11.5. For a stretch of the fourth quarter the lead was seven, and the alt was never in danger.
• Worth watching: This is the kind of spot the alt spread is for: a strong favorite whose lead can shrink late without the ticket being at risk.

ALT: Under 54.5 (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: The main total was 47.5, Utah's defense had allowed 8 points per game, and the alt gave us seven points of cushion. Called by Darius.
• What happened: The teams scored 48, so the under cashed by 6.5. Iowa State scored 14 points in the second half, and Utah added a late touchdown. Utah's field goal try in the final two minutes came up empty.
• Worth watching: The cushion is the whole reason this cashed comfortably. A defense-first read with a main total in the high 40s is a good spot to buy points on the under.

ALT: Devon Dampier 20+ rushing yards (alt, targeted -170 to -200): CASHED

• Our read: Dampier was averaging 38 rushing yards per game against a main line of 36.5, so the alt gave us more than 16 yards of cushion.
• What happened: He ran 7 times for 21 yards with a long of 9, clearing 19.5 by 1.5 yards. Utah's ground game ran through Parker, who had 18 carries for 174 yards and two touchdowns.
• Worth watching: It cashed, but barely, and the cushion is what got it there. With Parker carrying the load, a QB rushing alt needs a low number.

How the game played out

Raynor completed 21 of 40 passes, 205 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions, and he also ran for a score. Aiden Flora led Iowa State with 54 rushing yards and added 5 catches for 53. The Cyclones were 3 of 14 on third down, and two of their drives ended on downs.

Trends to watch

• Parker had 239 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. His rushing line deserves a look every week.
• Utah's defense held Iowa State to 3 points in the first half and 316 total yards. Alt unders and alt spreads built on that defense fit its profile.
• Dampier threw 27 times and ran 7 times while Parker handled the ground game. His rushing props need extra cushion when Parker is rolling.

Stats are from the ESPN box score. New to these terms? Read up on the alt line, the moneyline and the total.