Wisconsin vs. Iowa Prediction
Will No. 10 Wisconsin and Iowa have the physical matchup many expect, or will the two to find a way to hit the over when they meet today at Noon ET?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Wisconsin is favored on the road in this game, as the Badgers are getting odds of -3.5 points against the Hawkeyes. The over/under total is listed at 42.5 points. The road team has won five straight in this series and the two are 3-1-1 with the under in the last five meetings.
Wisconsin fell to 4-2 on the season and 1-2 in the Big Ten last week following a 30-23 OT loss to Ohio State at home. The Badgers are 4-2 with the under this season thanks to a tremendous defensive unit. Wisconsin is allowing just 15.2 points and 311.3 yards per game on the year. They are holding opposing run games to 106.2 yards per contest. The offense is a bit of a concern, as Wisconsin is averaging only 25.5 points and 375.2 yards per game. The run game is strong, putting up 174 yards per game behind 483 yards from Corey Clement. However, QB Alex Hornibrook has thrown for just 680 yards and five touchdowns with six interceptions this season.
Iowa moved to 5-2 on the season and 3-1 in the Big Ten thanks to a 49-35 win at Purdue last week. The Hawkeyes are 4-3 with the under this season. Iowa is giving up just 19.1 points per game on defense, but still allowing 371 yards per game, including 151.9 rushing yards per contest. When it comes to offense, Iowa is putting up 30.9 points per game, but averaging only 364.1 yards per game. Iowa has a great run game behind Akrum Wadley and LeShun Daniels Jr., who have combined for 1,181 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground. C.J. Beathard has added 1,227 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions.
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The total is low for a game that is expected to be a defensive battle. Both Iowa and Wisconsin are known for their physical play, but the Hawkeyes aren’t quite up to the level of the Badgers on defense. Iowa gave up 35 points to Purdue last week and 38 points to Northwestern. Wisconsin has the ability to match that kind of production with a great run game. Being at home, I also expect Iowa to find a way to do some scoring, which should be enough to hit the over.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL WEEK 8 PREDICTION: WISCONSIN/IOWA OVER 42.5