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Week 13: Iowa vs. Minnesota Preview & Pick

The Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers will both be looking to win Friday at TCF Bank Stadium. Odds have the Hawkeyes listed as 15.5-point favorites the total is not yet set. Here is a preview and free betting pick…

Week 13: Iowa Hawkeyes vs Minnesota Golden Gophers Preview Free College Football Pick

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Week 13: No. 24 Iowa at Minnesota Preview & Pick

Once considered a Big Ten favorite, No. 24 Iowa has suffered through a frustrating year, including another late collapse last week. Will the trend stop against Minnesota, which finally ending a terrible losing streak?

GO INSIDE THIS MATCHUP WITH OUR ATS STATS —>
Date: Friday, November 26, 10:15 p.m. ET
Venue: TCF Bank stadium, Minneapolis, MN
Broadcast: N/A
Iowa vs. Minnesota lines from Bodog.com
Hawkeyes: -15.5
Golden Gophers: +15.5
Total: N/A
Bet Now @ Bodog.com

A frustrating season continued for Iowa (7-4, 5-4-1 ATS) last Saturday, as the Hawkeyes blew a late lead and lost 20-17 to Ohio State. Iowa has dropped two straight games while falling to 1-3-1 ATS in its past five games.

The fourth-quarter collapse has been a reoccurring theme in 2010, as the Hawkeyes have suffered late-game meltdowns in all four losses this season. Against the Buckeyes, they allowed 10 points in the final eight minutes, including a touchdown with less than two minutes to go. Statistically, the “D” has been excellent. It ranks sixth in country in scoring, sixth in rushing defense and 14th in total defense. But when the game is on the line, Iowa has faltered.

On the other side of the ball, Iowa managed just 276 yards against Ohio State. Ricky Stanzi has 23 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season, but the Hawkeyes needed a bigger effort against Ohio State (20-31, 195 yards, one touchdown). At least freshman back Marcus Coker is emerging. He had nine carries for 70 yards and a score against OSU. He’ll likely start against Minnesota, as Adam Robinson suffered another concussion. In Coker’s first start, against Indiana, he racked up 129 yards.

Minnesota (2-9, 6-4 ATS) had last week off, giving it plenty of time to relish a 38-34 upset over Illinois. The victory ended a nine-game losing streak. The Gophers were 21-point underdogs, but they’ve now covered two straight games against the spread.

Finally, Minnesota got some pressure on the quarterback. The team entered the game with just eight sacks on the year, but it racked up a season-high three sacks against Illinois. The Gophers also intercepted a pass while holding Illini quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase to 10-21 for 172 yards. The performance is a big-time aberration, however. On the year, the Gophers are allowing over 400 yards and 33 points per game.

Likewise, the offense is a plodding unit that somehow rose to the occasion against Illinois. Minny is averaging just 22 points per game this season, and the 38-point outburst marked just the third time all year the Gophers have topped 24 points.

Iowa hasn’t delivered on its promise, but it’s still a tough, talented Big Ten team. The last three times Minnesota has played similar teams—Michigan State, Ohio State and Wisconsin—the Gophers lost by an average score of 41-14. Yes, Iowa has suffered some fourth-quarter collapses, but this game will never be close enough for that to be a concern.

Iowa at Minnesota pick: Iowa -15.5

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By Ian Van Den Hurk

Ian Van Den Hurk has covered amateur and pro sports for years, including a successful run handicapping anything from football to mixed martial arts. Looking for more sports betting tips and expert sports handicapping articles from Ian V? We've got your back...