abc-logo
Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.

Please submit form to schedule a

Personal Care Consultation

Local Magic Personal Care Consultation

Please submit this form below and we will chat shortly!

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Home Care In Cincinnati, IA

Home Care Cincinnati, IA

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Cincinnati, IA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Cincinnati, IA

location Service Areas

The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

×
TESTIMONIALS

“Tracey Gray helped me in the biggest way today! She saved my day and I am so thankful for her choice to help me! Thank you! #CertPrint #AlwaysBestCare”

Coreline I.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always best care provided excellent caregivers to us. I am really happy with the care and support they provided to my father. Highly recommended to all!”

James T.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“On behalf of my family, I would like to thank Always Best care for all the support your caregivers have provided to my mother. She was very pleased with the care she received. I confidently recommend Always Best Care to all.”

Michael H.
×
TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care in Cedar Valley IA realy helps me a lot. They have Reliable Caregivers who helped me to take care of my loved one for several years. They are highly trained and managed well the daily routines and activities like bathing and dressing. Caregivers of always best care is dependable and passionate to their work. I am satisfied and so glad that I chose their service. Highly recommend whoever needs their caregiving service!”

Melanie S.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Cincinnati, IA?

lm-check

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

lm-check

When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

lm-check

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

lm-check

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Cincinnati, IA

Types of Elderly Care in Cincinnati, IA

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Cincinnati, IA
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Cincinnati, IA
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Cincinnati, IA
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Cincinnati, IA

Benefits of Home Care in Cincinnati, IA

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

Request More Information vector

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Cincinnati, IA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Cincinnati, IA

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your IA's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Cincinnati, IA

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Cincinnati, IA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Cincinnati, IA

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Cincinnati, IA

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Home Care Cincinnati, IA

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Cincinnati, IA

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

lm-right-arrow
01

A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

lm-right-arrow
02

Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

lm-right-arrow
03

Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Cincinnati, IA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Cincinnati, IA

Latest News in Cincinnati, IA

Iowa State vs. Cincinnati: Predictions, Where to Watch for Free

No. 14 Iowa State (5-0) faces Big 12 rival Cincinnati (3-1) in Week 6 of the 2025 college football season at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The undefeated Cyclones aim to stay perfect on the road, while the Bearcats look for a statement win at home.Iowa State boasts one of the nation’s toughest defenses, allowing just 14.2 points per game and consistently generating takeaways.Quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown for over 1,100 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions, guiding a balanced offense that leans on runnin...

No. 14 Iowa State (5-0) faces Big 12 rival Cincinnati (3-1) in Week 6 of the 2025 college football season at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati. The undefeated Cyclones aim to stay perfect on the road, while the Bearcats look for a statement win at home.

Iowa State boasts one of the nation’s toughest defenses, allowing just 14.2 points per game and consistently generating takeaways.

Quarterback Rocco Becht has thrown for over 1,100 yards with seven touchdowns and two interceptions, guiding a balanced offense that leans on running backs Carson Hansen and Abu Sama III.

Tight ends Ben Brahmer and Gabe Burkle provide reliable red-zone options and matchup versatility.

The Cincinnati offensive machine is led by dual-threat quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who’s been highly efficient — completing 69.2% of his passes for 10 touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 227 yards and four more scores.

His top target, Cyrus Allen, has caught 23 passes for 273 yards and five touchdowns. The Bearcats’ fast-paced offense ranks among the nation’s best, averaging 39.5 points per game.

This should be a tight, competitive game. Iowa State’s defense and disciplined style give them a slight edge, but Cincinnati’s offense is dangerous and capable of an upset, especially at home.

Projected Score: Iowa State 28, Cincinnati 24

How to Watch Iowa State vs. Cincinnati

Kickoff for this afternoon’s game between Iowa State and Cincinnati is set for 12:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM Central at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati.

The game airs live on ESPN2 and streams on the ESPN app and website.

If you’re a cord-cutter without an active livestreaming plan, you can watch the game for free by taking advantage of free trials from DIRECTV Stream, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo TV, or YouTube TV.

YouTube TV even offers a 20-minute free preview, without having to register for a trial — if you just want to catch part of the game.

Date: Saturday, October 4, 2025

Time: 12:00 PM Eastern / 11:00 AM Central

Venue: Nippert Stadium, Cincinnati, OH

TV: ESPN2

Streaming: ESPN app and website

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Prediction, Odds, Picks — College Football Week 6

The Iowa State Cyclones take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2.Cincinnati is favored by -1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -125. Iowa State, meanwhile, comes in as a +1.5 underdog and comes in at +105 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 54 total points.Here’s my Iowa State vs. Cincinnati prediction and college football picks for Saturday, October 4.My Cincinnati vs. Iowa State best bet is on the ...

The Iowa State Cyclones take on the Cincinnati Bearcats in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Saturday, Oct. 4. Kickoff is set for 12 p.m. ET on ESPN2.

Cincinnati is favored by -1.5 points on the spread with a moneyline of -125. Iowa State, meanwhile, comes in as a +1.5 underdog and comes in at +105 on the moneyline to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 54 total points.

Here’s my Iowa State vs. Cincinnati prediction and college football picks for Saturday, October 4.

My Cincinnati vs. Iowa State best bet is on the Bearcats to go over their team total. Find the best line available on our live NCAAF odds page.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Odds, Lines, Spread

Iowa State Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
+1.5-11455.5-108o / -112u-102
Cincinnati Odds
SpreadTotalMoneyline
-1.5-10655.5-108o / -112u-112

The Cyclones didn't miss a beat after a much-needed bye week. Iowa State crushed Arizona for a second Big 12 victory in as many games, as offensive coordinator Taylor Mouser put on a clinic for how to confuse a defense.

Quarterback Rocco Becht had two big-time throws (despite not passing for a touchdown), and the usage of tight ends in direct snaps and as explosive passers was on full display.

The Clones' 3-3-5 stack defense held Arizona to just five yards per play, preventing any explosive drives on 12 Wildcat offensive possessions.

The three-man front has failed to produce a pass rush this season, but the back half of the defense grades in the top 35 in pass efficiency and coverage grading, per PFF.

Iowa State consistently switches protection from quarters to Cover 2, a look that assists against the opposing rush.

The Cyclones have been excellent at limiting ground explosives, ranking sixth in defensive rush EPA.

Cincinnati won its first game in the Big 12, but not without a questionable box score against Kansas. The Bearcats' three-point victory came with a 24% post-game win expectancy, as they allowed the Jayhawks to average 10.9 overall yards per play.

The Cincinnati defense allowed quarterback Jalon Daniels to score on two individual drives that took one play, each a pass of at least 75 yards to Emmanuel Henderson Jr.

A fumble at the goal line and recovery by the Cincinnati defense in the fourth quarter assisted head coach Scott Satterfield in his first conference win of the season.

The Cincinnati defense was without its best player in nose tackle Dontay Corleone, but his return could come this week against Iowa State.

The Bearcats have struggled to create a pass rush or produce Havoc, with both numbers sitting outside the top 110 in FBS.

A high volume of Cover 3 has resulted in a 33% Success Rate. The nickel defense has been above average in stopping outside zone run concepts and opponent scoring attempts.

The great news for the Bearcats is an offense that's been electric through four games. Quarterback Brendan Sorsby leads the unit with a 10:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio, lowering his turnover-worthy play rate to a minuscule 1.5% on 125 dropbacks.

The senior has been a part of an elite zone-read rushing attack, along with Tawee Walker and Evan Pryor, as Cincinnati is top-three nationally in Rushing Success Rate and Line Yards.

The passing game has been just as deadly against opposing defenses, as slot Cyrus Allen and wideout Jeff Caldwell each average more than 2.6 yards per route run.

Without Corleone on the defensive line, the Cyclones could wreak havoc at the line of scrimmage with heavy 12- and 13-personnel packages.

The Jayhawks had a 62% Success Rate on 26 rushing attempts against Cincinnati without Corleone. Iowa State could achieve a similar Success Rate depending on the status of the Bearcats' best player.

The more identifiable deliverable in this game is what the Cincinnati offense can produce against the Iowa State defense. The Bearcats have already faced two Power Four nickel package defenses in Nebraska and Kansas.

Sorsby has dominated quarters coverage this season with a 64% Success Rate and an explosive play on one of every three attempts.

Considering Iowa State doesn't produce a pass rush, Cincinnati should continue to have success through the air, given its passing downs efficiency and EPA rank in the top 30.

The rushing attack is the difference in the game, as the Cyclones have severe struggles against both inside and outside zone read concepts. Iowa State has posted a poor 41% Success Rate or worse against zone read, along with overall defensive rush efficiency, Line Yards and Stuff Rate ranks outside the top 70.

Cincinnati has created quality drives on offense at a top-20 national rate and is entering this home game at Nippert Stadium as the sixth-best overall team in Finishing Drives.

Pick: Cincinnati Team Total Over 27.5

Iowa State vs. Cincinnati FREE LIVE STREAM (10/4/25): Watch college football, Week 6 online | Time, TV channel

The No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones, led by quarterback Rocco Becht, face the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.How to watchHere are your best options to watch the game if you don’t already have cable:Here’s what you need to know:What: College FootballWho: Iowa State vs. CincinnatiWhen: Oct. 4, 2025 (10/4/25)Time: 12 p.m. ETWhere: Nippert StadiumTV: ESPN2Liv...

The No. 14 Iowa State Cyclones, led by quarterback Rocco Becht, face the Cincinnati Bearcats on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025 at Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.

How to watch

Here are your best options to watch the game if you don’t already have cable:

Here’s what you need to know:

What: College Football

Who: Iowa State vs. Cincinnati

When: Oct. 4, 2025 (10/4/25)

Time: 12 p.m. ET

Where: Nippert Stadium

TV: ESPN2

Live stream: DirecTV (free trial), FuboTV (free trial), Sling, ESPN Unlimited

Here’s a college football story via the AP:

Things to watch this week in the Big 12 Conference:

Game of the week

No. 11 Texas Tech (4-0, 1-0 Big 12) at Houston (4-0, 1-0), Saturday, 7 p.m. EDT (ESPN)

Four Big 12 teams have started at least 4-0 for the first time since 2015, but the Red Raiders or Cougars will get their first loss. Houston won in overtime last week at Oregon State after overcoming a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but Texas Tech’s games haven’t even been close.

The Red Raiders have a 40.8-point average winning margin that is the best nationally and they haven’t trailed this season. They are 4-0 for the first time since 2013, also the last time they were 5-0. Texas Tech, coming off an open date, has outscored its opponents 133-3 in the first half.

Houston has already matched its win totals from both 2023 and 2024, when the Cougars went 4-8 in each of its first two seasons after joining the Big 12. They were last 4-0 in 2016, when they also got to 5-0.

The undercard

No. 14 Iowa State (5-0, 2-0) at Cincinnati (3-1, 1-0), Saturday, noon EDT (ESPN2)

While Iowa State can on the first Saturday of October become the first team to secure bowl eligibility, the goal for the Cyclones is to be playing in the Big 12 championship game on the first Saturday of December for another chance to win their first title. They have trailed only 28 seconds this season and have won six games in a row since losing to Arizona State in last year’s title game, a streak that began with their bowl win over now-No. 3 Miami. Cincinnati ended a five-game Big 12 losing streak with a 37-34 win at Kansas last week.

Rocco Becht has 23 wins as Iowa State’s starting quarterback, trailing only Brock Purdy’s 30 wins. Becht’s school-record streak of 22 consecutive games with a TD pass, which was the longest active FBS streak, ended in last week’s 39-14 win over Arizona. But he ran for three 1-yard scores.

Impact player

— Baylor’s Sawyer Robertson has at least three TD passes in five consecutive games for Baylor (3-2, 1-1), the longest streak by a Big 12 quarterback since Kyler Murray’s eight in a row in 2018. Robertson goes into Saturday’s game against Kansas State (2-3, 1-1) as the national leader with 342.6 yards passing per game and 17 TDs.

— Kansas QB Jalon Daniels has 1,262 yards and 16 TDs passing, He had 500 total yards (445 yards and four TDs passing, 55 yards rushing) last week in a 37-34 loss to Cincinnati. The Jayhawks (3-2, 1-1) play at UCF (3-1, 0-1) on Saturday.

Inside the numbers

No. 23 BYU (4-0, 1-0) is seeking its second consecutive 5-0 start, and fourth in the past six seasons under coach Kalani Sitake. The Cougars host West Virginia (2-3, 0-2) on Friday night. ... Arizona (3-1, 0-1) hasn’t allowed a passing touchdown and now plays Oklahoma State (1-3, 0-1), which has a Big 12-low two passing TDs. ... No. 25 Arizona State (4-1, 2-0), the defending Big 12 champion, and Utah (4-1, 1-1) have open dates.

Back in Fort Worth

Deion Sanders and Colorado (2-3, 0-2) are at TCU (3-1, 0-1) on Saturday night for the first time since the coach’s winning debut with the Buffs in the 2023 opener, when Sonny Dykes and the Horned Frogs were coming off a national title game appearance.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Prediction, Odds, Injury News & H2H History

The undefeated Iowa State Cyclones face their toughest test yet when they visit Cincinnati for a pivotal Big 12 showdown on Saturday. What started as a promising season for the 14th-ranked Cyclones has hit a major roadblock with devastating injuries to their secondary.Online sportsbooks have responded to Iowa State’s injury crisis by making Cincinnati slight home favorites in the latest College Football odds. The line movement tells the whole story.Here is our Iowa State vs Cincinnati prediction for Saturday’s Week ...

The undefeated Iowa State Cyclones face their toughest test yet when they visit Cincinnati for a pivotal Big 12 showdown on Saturday. What started as a promising season for the 14th-ranked Cyclones has hit a major roadblock with devastating injuries to their secondary.

Online sportsbooks have responded to Iowa State’s injury crisis by making Cincinnati slight home favorites in the latest College Football odds. The line movement tells the whole story.

Here is our Iowa State vs Cincinnati prediction for Saturday’s Week 6 matchup, along with an odds update, injury analysis and H2H history.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Prediction

This line opened with Cincinnati as 2.5-point underdogs. Now they’re 1.5-point favorites. That’s a notable three-point swing that tells us one thing: Iowa State’s secondary is in serious trouble.

The Cyclones lost both starting corners for the season. Jontez Williams tore his ACL against Arizona. Jeremiah Cooper went down in practice. These guys combined for 55 career starts. Now Iowa State’s rolling with Tre Bell, a transfer from Lindenwood making his first start, and Quentin Taylor Jr., who’s never started a game.

Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby couldn’t have asked for better timing. He’s coming off a monster 440-yard performance at Kansas where he threw three touchdowns and led a game-winning drive. Against inexperienced corners? He’s going to feast.

The matchup gets worse for Iowa State when you dig deeper. They play zone coverage 88% of the time. Sorsby destroys zone coverage with a 90.7 passing grade against it, five big-time throws and zero turnover-worthy plays. Meanwhile, Cincinnati hasn’t allowed a single sack all season. Clean pockets against backup corners equals points.

Iowa State’s offense won’t save them either. They’re missing starting kicker Kyle Konrardy, which matters in a game this tight. Rocco Becht is efficient but not explosive. Carson Hansen faces Cincinnati’s 31st-ranked run defense that allows just 107 yards per game.

The Bearcats are also getting healthy at the perfect time. While they have some players out, none are as critical as Iowa State’s losses. Cincinnati’s rolling with momentum after three straight wins since their season-opening loss to Nebraska.

Nippert Stadium will be rocking for this one. Cincinnati is 3-0 at home against the spread in their last three. They’re averaging 33 yards per completion on plays with 10+ yards to go. That’s best in the FBS. That’s the kind of explosive offense that punishes backup defensive backs.

Sharp money already figured this out. That’s why the line moved five full points. When pros are hammering a home team getting points against an undefeated ranked opponent, you listen. Take the Bearcats before this line moves more.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Odds

TeamsSpreadMoneylineTotal
Iowa State Cyclones+1.5 (-108)+100O 55.5 (-110)
Cincinnati Bearcats-1.5 (-112)-120U 55.5 (-110)

Cincinnati opened as 2.5-point home dogs, but sharp action flipped this completely. The Bearcats are now 1.5-point favorites after that three-point swing. The moneyline moved from Cincinnati +150 to -120, showing massive respect from oddsmakers.

The total climbed from 51.5 to 55.5 as bettors expect Cincinnati’s passing attack to exploit Iowa State’s depleted secondary. About 65% of the money is on the over per College Football public betting trends.

Saturday’s Week 6 battle kicks off at noon ET from Nippert Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. ESPN2 has the broadcast for this Big 12 showdown.

Odds as of October 4 at DraftKings. Check out the best sports betting app before betting on Week 6.

Iowa State vs Cincinnati Head-to-Head History

These teams don’t have much history, but their two recent meetings tells an interesting story:

DateWinnerScoreLocation
Nov 16, 2024Iowa State34-17Ames, IA
Oct 14, 2023Iowa State30-10Cincinnati, OH

Iowa State dominated last season at home with a 34-17 victory. But here’s the thing: they had Williams and Cooper healthy in the secondary. Abu Sama III ran wild, and Becht was efficient. Gabe Burkle caught 73 receiving yards.

Cincinnati wants revenge after getting pushed around in Ames. Now they get the Cyclones at home with a depleted defense. Different game, different circumstances.

When you lose 55 combined starts at cornerback, you’re asking for trouble against a hot quarterback. Sorsby is completing 69.2% of his passes with a 10-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Against backup corners? That’s a daunting challenge for any secondary.

I’m taking the Bearkats for my Iowa State vs Cincinnati prediction. When the line is moving this notably and the injuries are piling up for one team, it rarely pays off to go against the big money.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.