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Week 2: Iowa vs. Iowa St. Preview & Free Pick

On Saturday September 10th its the Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Iowa St. Cyclones. Odds have the Hawkeyes listed as 6.5-point favorites. The game’s total is currently set at 44.5, here is a preview, free pick plus the college football betting angle.

Iowa (1-0) vs Iowa State (1-0) Gambling Preview + Predictions

It may not get the national coverage that some other rivalries do, but the Iowa/Iowa State intrastate rivalry is definitely important in the Hawkeye state.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

Both teams got a win in their first game this year, but the road is about to get a lot tougher. Kirk Ferentz and Paul Rhodes shouldn’t have to do much to fire up the team this week.

Iowa vs. Iowa State
Jack Trice Stadium
Saturday September 10, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Off
College Football Spread: Iowa -6.5 (-110) Iowa State +6.5 (-110)
Over/Under: 44.5
Iowa vs. ISU ATS Gambling Stats –>

Will it be Iowa that wins its fourth straight in this series or can Iowa State pull off the upset?

The Hawkeyes trounced Tennessee Tech 34-7 in the season opener, but that result really doesn’t tell us much about this team. Tennessee Tech actually picked up 18 first downs and 296 yards of total offense, which is a bit of a concern for Iowa’s defense.

James Vandenburg started the season out very well. Vandenburg was extremely successful in his high school career, and he showed his ability a couple years ago when he was forced into action as a freshman. The strength of the Iowa offense should be the offensive line. James Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, is the leader at the center position.

The Hawkeyes always seem to have a nasty offensive line, and this year will be no different.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Hawkeyes lost a lot of talent from last year, but they should still be very good this season. Micah Hyde and Shaun Prater might be the best cornerback tandem in the league, and the Iowa defensive line is strong. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Iowa State squeaked past Northern Iowa 20-19 last weekend. The Cyclones trailed much of the game, and their performance certainly doesn’t give the fan base too much confidence heading into this big game. Steele Jantz had a poor first game as the signal caller for the Cyclones. Jantz completed just 18 out of 40 passes, and he threw three interceptions.

He did run for 80 yards and two touchdowns. Like the Hawkeyes, the strength of this Iowa State offense should prove to be the offensive line. Can Iowa State find a running back who is a consistent threat? Jantz is a solid runner, but this team would be much better off if they could find a tailback to do some of the damage.

The Iowa State defense performed well against the pass last week, but they allowed 204 yards on the ground. They will definitely need to improve this week as they go against a tough offensive front. The linebackers are the strength of this defense, but the front four is a real area of concern.

The Cyclones picked up just 11 sacks all of last year, and they will likely struggle to pick up sacks this season as well.

Rivalry games like this one are certainly difficult to predict. Iowa State is 10-3 ATS in the last 13 meetings between these two, but Iowa has covered the last two seasons. In fact, the Hawkeyes have won 35-7 and 35-3 in the last two years.

I expect Iowa’s offensive front to take control in this one.

NCAA Gambling Trends:

Under is 7-1 in IOWA last 8 vs. Big 12.
Under is 17-5-1 in IOWA last 23 games in September.
Under is 27-13-1 in IOWA last 41 games on grass.
Under is 11-3 in IOWST last 14 home games.
IOWST are 11-3 ATS in their last 14 vs. Big Ten.
Under is 16-5 in IOWST last 21 games on grass.
IOWA are 3-10 ATS in their last 13 meetings.

Free College Football Pick: Iowa -6.5
Score Prediction: Iowa 28 Iowa State 14

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By Kyle Hunter

Kyle Hunter sports picks – A degree in finance and a great ability to follow important trends and statistics set him apart from the rest. Totals are Kyle's specialty, so look for a lot of totals picks from NBA, NCAAF, & the NFL. Check out his plays today.