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Week 3: Pittsburgh vs. Iowa Preview & Free Pick

On Saturday September 17th its the Pittsburgh Panthers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes. Odds have the Hawkeyes listed as 3-point favorites. The game’s total is currently set at 50.5, here is a preview, free pick plus the college football betting angle.

Pittsburgh (2-0) at Iowa (1-1) Gambling Preview + Predictions

The Iowa Hawkeyes look to bounce back from a disappointing triple overtime loss to Iowa State. It was a game that the Hawkeyes were expected to win, but in the end their defense let them down.

Kyle Hunter
Kyle Hunter

It doesn’t get any easier this week as the Pittsburgh Panthers come to Kinnick Stadium in a tough non-conference matchup.

Pittsburgh vs. Iowa
Kinnick Stadium
Saturday September 17, 12:00 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Iowa (-155) Pittsburgh (+135)
College Football Spread: Iowa -3 (-105) Pittsburgh +3 (-115)
Over/Under: 50.5
Pitt vs. Iowa ATS Gambling Stats –>

Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Panthers are 2-0, but anyone who has watched their first two games will tell you that this team hasn’t been impressive so far this season. Pittsburgh only outgained Buffalo by seven yards, and they needed a late run to pull away from the lowly Bulls. What about last weekend? The Panthers beat Maine (an FCS team) by a score of just 35-29. Maine did score a couple late touchdowns to make it look closer than it really was, but Pittsburgh only outgained Maine by 10 total yards. While this is a talented team, they clearly haven’t put it together yet.

Pittsburgh head coach Todd Graham has made no bones about the fact that he is very unhappy with the performance of starting quarterback Tino Sunseri. Sunseri is struggling to adapt to Graham’s no-huddle offense. Graham is particularly unhappy with the fact that Sunseri continues to hold the ball too long and take sacks. This is an offense that is supposed to feature quick passes that make the defense react instantly. Sunseri is still the starter for now, but the leash is getting shorter. Ray Graham has 322 yards rushing in just two games, and the Panthers will need a big effort from him this weekend. Defensively, the secondary has been a problem spot. Buffalo threw for 276 yards and then Maine put up 334 passing yards. The front seven of the Panthers defense has been playing well.

Iowa

Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa Hawkeyes were expected to be very good last year, but they disappointed. Generally, a Kirk Ferentz team that is expected to be middle of the road is a very dangerous opponent. The Hawkeyes clearly have quite a bit of room for improvement, but this isn’t a team that should be counted out of the Big Ten Legends Division race. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

James Vandenburg has been spectacular in the team’s first two games. Vandenburg has thrown four touchdowns and no interceptions, and he has thrown for 426 yards. Marcus Coker is a talented running back, but Iowa really hasn’t gotten him going yet this year. Coker is averaging just 3.9 yards per carry. The offensive line is generally dominating, but they have been no better than mediocre so far this season. The Iowa defense lost a lot of talented players from last year’s team, but they still have a solid nucleus. The most troubling statistic from last week’s game for the Hawkeyes has to be the fact that Iowa State went 13 for 20 on third down conversion attempts. The Cyclones also converted both of their fourth down attempts. The Hawkeyes defense must buckle down in the coming weeks.

The Panthers are struggling to incorporate Graham’s no-huddle offense, and the Iowa secondary is very good. Iowa is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 games following a loss. I think Iowa rebounds in this one.

NCAA Gambling Trends:

Under is 17-6-1 in IOWA last 24 games in September.
Under is 5-2-1 in IOWA last 8 games overall.
IOWA are 5-2-1 ATS in their last 8 home games.

Free College Football Pick: Iowa -3
Score Prediction: Iowa 28 Pittsburgh 21

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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.