Iowa vs. Michigan State Pick
With both coming off a loss, which Big Ten team will come away with a win on Saturday when Michigan State hosts Iowa at 4PM ET?
According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Michigan State is favored at home, as the Spartans are getting odds of -3 points against the Hawkeyes. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 45 points. Michigan State has won three of the last four against Iowa and the Spartans are 2-1-1 against the spread in those games. Saturday’s game takes place from Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. The game will air live on FOX.
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Iowa is 3-1 on the season following a 21-19 loss at home to Penn State last week in its Big Ten opener. The Hawkeyes are 2-2 against the spread. Iowa is holding opponents to just 19.8 points per game despite allowing 396 yards per contest. Offensively, Iowa is putting up 29.5 points and 367 yards per game. Nathan Stanley has thrown for 846 yards and 12 touchdowns to lead the offense while Akrum Wadley had 338 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Wadley also is the leading receiver with 10 catches for 227 yards and two touchdowns.
Michigan State is 2-1 this season following a 38-18 loss at home to Notre Dame last week. The Spartans are 2-1 against the spread, failing to cover in last week’s loss. MSU is allowing just 20.7 points and 254 yards per game defensively this year. On offense, MSU is averaging 27 points and 472.7 yards per game. Quarterback Brian Lewerke has thrown for 751 yards and six touchdowns this season. He is also the leading rusher with 206 yards and two scores. LJ Scott has run for 186 yards, but has struggled with fumbles this season.
Bet on Iowa vs. Michigan State
This game should be a defensive battle, as both teams really on their physical defensive front and a powerful run game. Michigan State got somewhat exposed last week by the Irish. The Spartans couldn’t move the ball and their defense struggled against the run. Iowa played Penn State very tough and nearly got an upset. Iowa is 4-1 against the spread in its last five trips to MSU and 9-3-1 ATS in its last 13 meetings with Michigan State overall. Go with Iowa to cover again this week.
COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREDICTION: IOWA +3