Northwestern vs. Iowa Prediction
Who has the edge when physical Big Ten teams, Iowa and Northwestern, meet up today at Noon ET on ESPNU?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Iowa is the favorite in this game, as the Hawkeyes are getting odds of -13.5 points against the Wildcats. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 43.5 points. Iowa has won and covered the spread in three straight meetings with Northwestern.
Iowa got a scare last week but managed to sneak out a 14-7 win over Rutgers to open up Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes are now just 1-3 against the spread this season and 2-6-1 ATS in their last nine as a program. Iowa is led by its defense, which is giving up just 13.5 points and 365.3 yards per game. The offense continues to struggle though, averaging only 356 yards per game. The duo of LeShun Daniels Jr. and Akrum Wadley have combined for 575 rushing yards with seven touchdowns while C.J Beathard has thrown for 741 yards and eight touchdowns.
Northwestern opened up conference play last week with a 24-13 loss at home to Nebraska. The Wildcats are just 1-3 on the season, 1-3 against the spread and now playing on their first road game. The offense is struggling for the Wildcats, as they are scoring only 16.3 points per game while holding opponents to just 17 points per contest. Clayton Thorson has thrown for 956 yards and five touchdowns, but also has four interceptions. Justin Jackson has rushed for 339 yards and three touchdowns.
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This game should be similar to what Iowa has experienced in the past few weeks, a defensive grinder. Northwestern isn’t going to overwhelm Iowa with its offense, but the Hawkeyes will be challenged by the Wildcats defense. Iowa should find a way to win, but this came could come down to the final minutes and should be close.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 5 PREDICTION: NORTHWESTERN +13.5