Range – Last Updated on September 16, 2022 9:55 pm
Free NCAA Football Prediction: Wolf Pack vs. Hawkeyes Odds
Looking for Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Iowa Hawkeyes free picks? College football betting sees the Wolf Pack taking on the Hawkeyes on Saturday, September 17th at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, IO. Cappers Picks provides complimentary handicapping picks all NCAA football season long so stay tuned for more FREE college football game Week 3 predictions like this Nevada-Iowa free pick.
College Football Handicapping Analysis: Week 3
(2-1) Nevada Wolf Pack vs. Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1)
Date: Saturday, September 17th, 2022
Time: 7:30 pm EST
Venue: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IO
NCAA Football ATS Spread Odds: NEV +23.5 | IOWA -23.5 (Bet Now!)
NCAA Football Moneyline Odds: Wolf Pack +1000 | Hawkeyes -2000
NCAA Betting Total Odds: O/U 39.5
The Nevada Wolf Pack will travel and take on the Iowa Hawkeyes from Kinnick Stadium this Saturday on the Big Ten Network. Iowa is heavily favored at home here as 23-point favorites, with the total opening at 39.5.
HISTORY: This will mark the first time these states cross paths on the gridiron.
Nevada Wolf Pack
Nevada jumped out to a fast start in 2022 with wins over New Mexico State and Texas State. The Wolf Pack kicked a whopping five field goals in the win over the Bobcats, and they held both teams to 28 points combined. After beginning 2-0, FCS-power Incarnate Word came through in last Saturday and gave the Pack a run for their money.
Last week, Nevada took their first loss of the season to the Cardinals, 55-41, missing a golden opportunity to cover their third straight spread to open the season.
Nevada has rotated quarterbacks in efforts to find Carson Strong’s replacement and Nate Cox might just be the guy. Cox was impressive in his first full start, throwing for 372 yards and two touchdowns, while adding another score on the ground against Incarnate Word.
Toa Taua might be the best offensive player on either side in this one. The fifth-year back surpassed the 3,000-yard mark for his career last weekend, and he’s rushed for 100+ yards in two of the first three games.
Taua is up to 246 rushing yards with three touchdowns, and eight catches for 81 yards and another score on the season. Fellow fifth-year senior Devonte Lee has rushed for 140 yards and scored in each game this season.
Jamaal Bell leads the team in catches (14) and receiving yards (97).
Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa has been unusually anemic offensively to start the season. The Hawkeyes managed to defeat South Dakota State in the opener despite not scoring a touchdown, using a pair of safeties to win 7-3. It was one of the nastier games in college football history, and in 2022 it’s unheard of. The Hawkeyes followed that performance up by punting on 10 of their 13 possessions against their in-state rival.
Last week, Iowa lost to arch rival Iowa State at home, 10-7, failing to cover for the second time in as many weekends.
It’s year three for Spencer Petras, and something has to give. Iowa has scored 14 points in two games, and they just can’t move the ball with the fifth-year senior behind center. Petras has longevity on his side, and he should be line to make his 22nd career start this weekend. Petras has 201 passing yards with two interceptions through the first two games.
The run game is usually a staple of what Kirk Ferentz likes to do, but there’s been no push up front for the Hawkeyes. Leshon Williams has received the opportunities but he hasn’t had much room to work with. Williams gained 95 yards (72 rush, 23 rec) against SDSU, but after only gaining 34 yards on 14 carries last weekend, they’ll need more from the run game going forward.
Sam LaPorta returned to give Petras a familiar target, and he’s been one of the few lone spots on this Iowa offense. LaPorta caught eight passes against the Cyclones last week, and he’ll likely be the Hawkeyes leading receiver again this season. Arland Bruce IV caught five passes for 68 yards in the win over SDSU.
Iowa’s defense remains the backbone of the program and after allowing just 13 points through the first two weeks, look for another strong performance from them here.
NCAA Football Handicapping Trends
- NEV are 3-3 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- IOWA are 3-3 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
- Wolf Pack are 4-4 ATS in their last 8 road games.
- Hawkeyes are 5-3 ATS in their last 8 home games.
Free Week 3 NCAA Football Final Analysis:
Dormant isn’t the word to describe how the Iowa offense has come out and played thus far. It’s really tough to trust or envision them beating anybody by 25 points right now, but what can be trusted is their defense. They should pick things up here offensively with Big Ten play looming, but for now, lets bet on them to continuing defending at a very high rate.
Take the under for this run-heavy non-conference clash.
4* Free Week 3 NCAA Betting Pick: Under 39.5
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