College Football Betting – Iowa/Wisconsin Preview & Pick
The sportsbook has surprised us in college football this season thanks to some surprising parity. Admit it – you didn’t peg Iowa as your top BCS contender entering this season. Yet here the Hawkeyes are, 6-0 and suddenly making a serious bid thanks to stellar defense. Can they beat a solid Wisconsin team on the road?
LOOKING FOR THE BEST COLLEGE FOOTBALL HANDICAPPERS? You’ve found em – Click Here —–>
(11) Iowa Hawkeyes vs Wisconsin Badgers
Saturday, October 17, 12:00 p.m. ET
Team records:
Iowa: 6-0 SU, 3-2 ATS
Wisconsin: 5-1 SU, 2-3 ATS
College football odds favorite: Wisconsin -2.5
Is Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi a bit of a cowboy in the mold of Brett Favre? Maybe. He takes lots of chances and that sometimes leads to turnovers. But the bottom line is that he’s unafraid – a good game manager who wants the ball in his hands when the game’s on the line. The Hawkeyes can also rely on Adam Robinson and his steady 4.9 yards per carry if need be, not to mention a deep group of receivers at Stanzi’s disposal.
Arguably, Wisconsin’s offense is shakier. Scott Tolzien was a goat in Wisconsin’s loss to Ohio State last week, getting picked off for touchdowns twice. John Clay is a major plus in the Badger backfield, ranking 11th in the nation in rushing, but Iowa’s “D” can key on him if Tolzien doesn’t bounce back and keep them honest.
Is pass rushing overrated? Iowa could prove that theory; the Hawkeyes don’t pressure the quarterback too well but their strong coverage defense helps them crack the top 20 in points allowed. Tyler Sash is a total blanket in the secondary and Jeremiha Hunter is proving capable of shouldering major defensive responsibility; he had 12 tackles in Iowa’s win over Michigan.
Wisconsin’s defense is nothing to sneeze at either – it totally shut down Terrell Pryor last week – but its secondary can still give up a big play. Stanzi can exploit that chink in the armor, so it’s smart betting management to remember that.
Expect a close (and probably low-scoring) battle between these two teams but I like Iowa’s chances to force more mistakes from Tolzien and grind out a win on the strength of better all-around defense and a more balanced offense. Pick Iowa to pull off another surprise victory.
Sports bet online pick: Iowa +2.5
