Minnesota vs. Iowa Prediction
Can No. 20 Iowa hand No. 8 Minnesota its first loss when the Hawkeyes play host to the Golden Gophers today at 4PM ET?
Game Snapshot & Odds
335 Minnesota vs. 336 Iowa
Saturday, November 16, 2019
4PM ET – Kinnick Stadium
TV: FOX
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, Iowa is the slight favorite at home, as the Hawkeyes are getting odds of -3 points against Minnesota. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 44.5 points. The public betting currently has 63 percent going on Minnesota as the road 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 needing a big win
Iowa is coming off a tough 24-22 loss at Wisconsin last weekend for its third loss in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes are now 6-3 on the season, 3-3 in the Big Ten, 4-5 against the spread and 6-2-1 with the under.
The Hawkeyes have a great defense that is near the top of the nation. Iowa is giving up just 11.7 points and 289.3 yards per game. Offensively, Iowa is putting up 24.1 points and 381.8 yards per contest. Nate Stanley has been leading the Iowa offense with 2,158 passing yards and 12 touchdowns. Three different receivers have over 400 yards with Ihmir Smith-Marsette leading the way with 490 yards and three touchdowns on 33 catches. Mekhi Sargent is the leading rusher with 464 yards and four scores.
Gophers upset Penn State
Minnesota had the biggest win it has had in years last week when the Golden Gophers handed Penn State their first loss of 2019 in a 31-26 victory at home. The Gophers are now 9-0 on the season, 6-0 in the Big Ten, 6-2-1 against the spread and 6-3 with the over.
The Gophers have been led by their defense this season, as Minnesota is allowing just 20.7 points and 309.8 yards per game. Antoine Winfield Jr. is having a great season, as he has 54 tackles, two sacks and seven interceptions. Offensively, Minnesota is putting up 37.6 points and 432.9 yards per game. Tanner Morgan has thrown for 2,100 yards and 21 touchdowns to lead the offense while Rodney Smith has rushed for 940 yards and seven touchdowns. Rashod Bateman is the top receiver with 38 receptions for 847 yards and seven touchdowns.
College Football Betting Trends
Iowa
The Hawkeyes are just 1-4 against the spread in their last five games following a loss and 1-4 ATS in their last five games following a cover.
Minnesota
The Golden Gophers have covered the spread in six straight over and they are 4-0-1 against the spread in their last five road games.
Prediction:
Iowa has won four straight against Minnesota while going 2-0-1 against the spread in the last three encounters. Oddsmakers seem to really want you to bet on Minnesota today by making them an underdog against an Iowa team that has failed to win big games. The Gophers are unbeaten, but have still had struggles on the road, winning by 7 at Purdue and going to OT at Fresno State early in the year. Iowa’s defense has held up against everyone, so I don’t see the Gophers putting up big points today. In a road game against Iowa, I think the Hawkeyes will control this game with their defense and grind out a win over the Gophers in an ugly football game.
College Football Week 12 Prediction: Iowa -3
Related: Minnesota vs. Iowa Total Prediction