The Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense has a pulse, or so it did in the second half against FCS Illinois State.
But the Hawkeyes host the rival Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday in a game with a total of just 35.5. Can the Hawkeye offense rise from the ashes to show life for a second straight week, or will the Cyclones stifle Iowa’s offensive attack?
College Football Network has all the details about this rivalry game, including betting insight, DFS picks, and an Iowa State vs. Iowa prediction.
Iowa State vs. Iowa Betting and DFS Preview
All Iowa State vs. Iowa odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook and are correct as of Saturday, Sept. 7.
- Spread
Iowa -3 - Moneyline
Iowa -142, Iowa State +120 - Over/Under
35.5 points - Game time
3:30 p.m. ET - Location
Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa - Predicted Weather at Kick
67 degrees, 8 mph winds, sunny - How to Watch
FuboTV, CBS
Iowa and Iowa State have historically played close, low-scoring games that can flip on a costly turnover or rare big offensive play. Despite Iowa’s newfound confidence on offense, you probably shouldn’t expect this one to go any differently.
The line opened at -2.5 for the Hawkeyes, and that’s where it currently sits, while the total started at 37.5 and was quickly beaten down within the first day of being on the market.
Last week, Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara became the first Hawkeye to throw for three touchdowns in a game since 2021 after a 251-yard performance against Illinois State. The defense was its usual stingy self, allowing less than 200 yards in a 40-0 shutout.
Iowa State’s defense was excellent as well last week, allowing just three points in a 21-3 win over North Dakota. Quarterback Rocco Becht was efficient, throwing for 267 yards on 26 attempts.
Can either offense break through the opposition, or are we destined for another low-scoring barn burner?
Before you go bet on either one of these teams, here are a few things to consider in Iowa State vs. Iowa.
Prediction for Iowa State vs. Iowa
McNamara looked good in the second half against an FCS defense, but he really struggled in the team scrimmages this fall. Part of that is he faced the Iowa defense, but from what we know, he failed to reach a 50% completion rate in any of those scrimmages.
On the other side, Becht has done some nice things in his career, but he averaged just 4.6 yards an attempt last year against the Hawkeyes.
Accordingly, both teams will likely ride the running game, limiting possessions and playing “complementary football.” In a matchup of two quality defenses going head-to-head, I’m always going with the Hawkeyes.
The under is the best play here, and I really do think these two teams can get to the type of 20-17 game that it would take to hit the over, but you don’t have much room to work with. If the number continues to shrink, go with the Hawkeyes against the spread, as I like that they’re only giving less than a field goal.
The Hawkeyes haven’t given up more than 17 points at home since 2022, and I don’t see that trend breaking on Saturday.
Prediction: Iowa 17, Iowa State 10
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