Penn State vs. Iowa Prediction
Can No. 10 Penn State go on the road and pick up a big win against No. 17 Iowa when the two Big Ten foes meet up tonight at 7:30PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
203 Penn State vs. 204 Iowa
Saturday, October 12, 2019
7:30PM ET – Kinnick Stadium
TV: ABC
Compare odds and from multiple different online sportsbooks and shop for the best lines at our new NCAAF Odds & Betting Page.
Public Betting Trends
According to the latest oddsmakers, Penn State is favored on the road, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -3.5 points against Iowa. The over/under total for the contest is listed at just 42 points. The public betting currently has 58 percent going on Iowa as the home underdog. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our NCAAF Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Iowa limited by Michigan
The Iowa Hawkeyes are coming off a 10-3 loss at Michigan last weekend, failing to produce much offense despite a strong defensive showing. Iowa is now 4-1 on the year, 1-1 in the Big Ten, 2-3 against the spread and 3-1-1 with the under.
Iowa ranks third nationally in defense, allowing just 8.8 points per game while holding opponents to only 255 yards per outing. The problem with the team is on offense. Iowa is producing just 27.4 points and 424.2 yards per game. Nate Stanley has thrown for 1,225 yards and eight touchdowns this year to lead the offense while Makhi Sargent has rushed for 311 yards and two scores. Ihmir Smith-Marsette is the team’s leading receiver with 19 catches for 314 yards and three scores.
Penn State unbeaten thus far
The Penn State football team improved to 5-0 on the season last weekend with a 35-7 win over Purdue at home. The Nittany Lions are 2-0 in the Big Ten, 3-2 against the spread and 3-2 with the under.
The Nittany Lions are strong on both sides of the ball, rankings in the top 10 nationally in offensive and defensive scoring. The defense is giving up just 7.4 points and 240.4 yards per game while the offense is putting up 47 points and 500.2 yards per outing. Sean Clifford is leading the team with 1,443 passing yards and 12 touchdowns while also rushing for 200 yards and two scores. KJ Hamler has been his top receiver. He has 19 catches for 394 yards and four touchdowns. Journey Brown is Penn State’s leading rusher with 217 yards, but he is questionable to play tonight due to a knee injury.
College Football Betting Trends
Iowa
The Hawkeyes just 2-5 against the spread in their last seven Big Ten games, but 5-0 ATS in their last five games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game.
Penn State
The Nittany Lions are 8-3-1 against the spread in their last 12 games in October and 24-7-1 ATS in their last 32 games following a win.
Prediction:
Penn State has won five straight in this series, covering the spread in four of those five wins. However, the last two games have been decided by a score. Penn State has been the benefactor of a pretty weak schedule thus far. The toughest game for the Nittany Lions was a 17-10 win at home against Pitt. Iowa is a little more tested with road games against Iowa State and Michigan. Both of those games were competitive due to the Iowa defense. This defense is by far the best Penn State will have faced this year. While PSU may be the most talented offense Iowa has faced, I think the Hawkeyes win that battle at home in a night game, coming off a loss. The Iowa offense is pretty weak, but I think the offensive front can punch Penn State in the mouth and grind out some scoring drives. Iowa won’t need many points to win this game and I think they get them.
College Football Week 7 Prediction: Iowa +3.5
Related: Penn State vs. Iowa Total Prediction