As a fan of Iowa State football, you likely don’t want to miss any of the action as the Cyclones take on their opponents today. Watching college football games without cable TV can be tricky, but there are several different options available to catch the Iowa State game today.
Check the Game Time and TV Channel
The first step is to find out when the Iowa State game starts and what TV channel it will be on. This season, Iowa State football games are primarily aired on the Big 12 Network, ESPN channels, Fox Sports 1, or local regional sports networks. You can usually find the TV schedule on the Iowa State athletics website, the Big 12 website, or on TV listings sites.
For today’s game on October 16, 2023, Iowa State plays Oklahoma State at 2:30 PM Central Time on ABC. Knowing the game time and channel will allow you to determine your viewing options.
Stream the Game With Live TV Streaming Services
If you have access to log-in credentials for a cable, satellite, or live TV streaming service that includes the channel airing the game, this will be the easiest option to stream the Iowa State game. Many streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, and others carry the major sports channels that air college football games.
Compare the channel packages offered by each streaming service to find one that provides access to the game channel. For example, YouTube TV carries ABC, ESPN channels, Fox Sports 1, Big 12 Network, and regional sports networks in Iowa markets to cover Iowa State games. Use the free trial periods to test access to the game channel before paying.
Pros
- Stream games live in high-definition quality
- Access game channel from anywhere with internet connection
- No cable box or contracts required
Cons
- Must pay monthly fee for streaming service subscription
- Need fast internet connection for smooth streaming
Use Your TV Antenna
For Iowa State games aired on local ABC, Fox, NBC, CBS, or CW stations, you may be able to watch using just a digital TV antenna connected to your TV. With the game on ABC today, an antenna is an easy option if you are in the Des Moines media market.
Make sure your antenna is positioned properly to receive signals from the direction of local broadcast towers. You may need an amplified antenna if you live far from the towers. Test reception before the game to make adjustments if needed.
Pros
- Completely free option to watch local channels
- No internet, fees, or subscriptions required
- Receives high-definition broadcast signal
Cons
- Limited to channels from Des Moines area
- Need outdoor/attic antenna and good positioning
Use a Digital TV Antenna and DVR
To maximize your free over-the-air channels with an antenna, you can add a digital video recorder (DVR). Tablo, AirTV, Plex, and HDHomeRun make popular antenna DVRs to record and play back games on your schedule.
The DVR lets you record the Iowa State game even if you can’t watch it live. You can skip commercials and start watching from the beginning if you tune in late. Many antenna DVRs also allow streaming to multiple devices.
Pros
- Record and replay games on your schedule
- Pause, rewind, and skip commercials
- Stream to devices like phones, tablets, etc.
Cons
- Must buy antenna and compatible DVR box
- Monthly fee for program guide data
Listen on Satellite or Online Radio
If you can’t watch the game on TV, you can still follow the play-by-play action by listening on satellite radio or online radio streams.
SiriusXM satellite radio provides live play-by-play of Iowa State games and other college football matchups on channels 84, 85, and 86 on the SiriusXM app or connected radios. Iowa State Legacy Sports Network powered by Learfield also offers a free online radio stream for men’s sports.
Pros
- Hear the live game broadcast and commentary
- Good option when no video access
- Listen on the go with mobile apps
Cons
- No video feed of the game
- Satellite radio requires a subscription
Use Social Media for Updates
When streaming or listening to the full game broadcast isn’t an option, social media can be a helpful way to keep up with the live score and highlights.
The Iowa State football Twitter and Facebook pages frequently post scoring updates, stats, photos, and video clips throughout Cyclones games. Checking the social feeds gives you an idea of how the game is unfolding in real time.
Pros
- Get real-time scoring updates
- See game highlights and photos
- Completely free access
Cons
- No complete game broadcast
- May see spoilers before highlights
Find a Sports Bar or Restaurant
If you want to get out of the house and enjoy the communal atmosphere of game day, check out local sports bars or restaurants showing the Iowa State game. Many establishments will have several TVs tuned to major football games on any given Saturday.
Search for “[city name] football bars near me” or check websites like GametimeHQ. Look for Iowa State alumni bars in your area for a spirited crowd. Call ahead to ask if they are showing the Cyclones game today.
Pros
- Experience game day excitement and cheering fans
- Food and drinks available for purchase
- Don’t need cable or streaming subscriptions
Cons
- Less control over which games shown on TVs
- Can get crowded and noisy
Use a VPN to Access Regional Sports Networks
If the Iowa State game is only available on an out-of-market regional sports network (RSN), you can use a virtual private network (VPN) to stream the RSN broadcast online.
Connect to a server in the appropriate media market through a VPN service. Then visit the website of the local RSN to watch the live stream as if you were in their broadcast area. This grants access to region-restricted games.
Pros
- View local team broadcasts no matter where located
- Works with many streaming platforms
Cons
- Monthly cost for reliable VPN service
- Need to understand VPN setup and use
Consider Iowa State TV Packages
Die-hard Iowa State fans unable to access games through other methods do have the option to purchase special Cyclones television packages.
Through Spectrum, fans can add Iowa State TV to their cable package for $12 per month to receive statewide broadcasts of games and other coverage. DISH Network also offers a multi-channel package under its Cyclones TV branding starting at $5 monthly.
Service | Price | Channels |
---|---|---|
Spectrum Iowa State TV | $12 per month | Statewide Iowa State programming |
DISH Cyclones TV | Starting at $5 per month | Multiple Iowa State specific channels |
Pros
- Dedicated Iowa State focused game coverage
- Full replays of football and basketball games
Cons
- Must have compatible cable/satellite service
- Additional monthly charges apply
Use Pay-Per-View Services
Local pay-per-view providers sometimes offer the option to purchase individual college football games not available through regular channels. Prices are typically $5-$20 per game in standard definition.
Check channel listings or call your cable/satellite provider to see if they are offering the Iowa State game on PPV. You would then call and order the game for a one-time fee to access the broadcast.
Pros
- One-time cost instead of ongoing subscription
- Guaranteed access to the specific game
Cons
- Expensive for only one game
- Standard definition quality video
Use a Smart DNS Service
Similar to a VPN, a Smart DNS service can provide access to regional sports network streams by assigning your device a local IP address when connected. Changing your DNS settings routes your traffic through specific servers.
This allows you to visit blocked websites and services or evade blackouts when traveling. Smart DNS services tend to be faster than VPNs for video streaming as there is no heavy encryption involved.
Pros
- Unlock geo-restricted local or cable channels and streams
- Typically faster performance than VPN
Cons
- Less security and privacy protection than VPN
- Requires changing device network settings
Use Free Trials of Live TV Streaming
If you want access to the Iowa State game on a specific live TV streaming service but don’t want to pay for an ongoing subscription, look for any free trial promotions they offer.
Services like FuboTV, DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and others usually offer free access for 5-7 days to new subscribers. Just be sure to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid being charged.
Pros
- Watch game without paid subscription
- Sample multiple streaming services
Cons
- Requires cancelling subscription before trial ends
- May need to provide credit card information
Use a Streaming Service Login from a Friend or Family Member
If you know someone close to you who already pays for a compatible live TV streaming service, ask them if they are willing to let you use their login credentials to watch the Iowa State game.
Streaming services typically allow simultaneous streams on different devices and locations, even outside the home. Just check that they have access to the necessary game channel.
Pros
- No cost to stream the game
- Convenient access if given login access
Cons
- Need to coordinate access with friend/family
- Quality depends on their subscription package
Consider Going to a Viewing Party
Reach out to any Iowa State alumni chapters, fan clubs, or local sports bars in your region to see if they are hosting any game day viewing parties. Many local groups organize bigger game watch events.
Join in to watch the Cyclones on huge screens with surround sound. Viewing parties are fun ways to connect with fellow fans and FEEL the energy of the crowd.
Pros
- Large screens and advanced audio
- Share the experience with other fans
- Often have food and drinks available
Cons
- Usually only held for big games
- Need to arrive early for best seating
Watch Iowa State Game Replays and Highlights
If you ultimately can’t watch the Iowa State game live, check for full game replay and highlight videos posted after the game ends. The Iowa State athletics site and YouTube channel typically upload game highlights and footage.
Watch condensed videos of all the top plays and pivotal moments. You’ll miss the live excitement but can catch up on key events and plays from the match.
Pros
- See highlights and top moments
- Available after game ends
- Free access to replay footage
Cons
- Doesn’t include full game broadcast
- Spoilers if you haven’t seen the game
Conclusion
Following your favorite college football team like Iowa State without cable isn’t always simple. Fortunately, fans have many alternative options to watch games without an expensive cable package. Compare the pros and cons to select the best choice based on your viewing preferences, budget, and access to subscriptions or logins.
The ideal option provides reliable access to the game at a reasonable cost without contracts. With the rise of live TV streaming services, Iowa State fans can easily follow the Cyclones every football Saturday without missing a play.