Iowa vs Iowa State Odds, Picks, Predictions (9/10/22)
Iowa State visits Iowa in their annual rivalry meeting for the Cy-Hawk Trophy in Iowa City, Iowa. Iowa got their year started with a big offensive struggle of a game against FCS school, South Dakota State, where they won, while only getting a field goal and two safeties. Iowa State on the other hand had an easy time against Missouri State. This matchup will be interesting as it always is, so let’s look at the odds and make some picks and predictions too!
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Iowa vs. Iowa State Odds
Iowa comes into the game as 3.5-point favorites and are at -178 on the moneyline. The over/under is one of the lowest of the weekend at 40.5. This spread tells us that oddsmakers are still liking the Hawkeyes to extend their winning streak over Iowa State to seven, but still thinking it’ll be close. The over/under is a clear indicator of what type of game this could be. At 40.5, this clearly has the makings of a slugfest of a game for each defense too.
Iowa vs. Iowa State Prediction & Pick
The only explanation for me that Iowa State is the underdog is because oddsmakers trust in Iowa against Iowa State due to the six game winning streak. I love Iowa State here +3.5 points. I think taking Iowa State on the moneyline at +149 isn’t a bad bet here either, but go with the spread, as the safer bet. It was a tale of opposites for each team in Week 1. Iowa State took care of business, 42-10, against Southeast Missouri State from the FCS. The offense and the defense both looked good and it was just an all-around great start for the Cyclones. It was almost the complete opposite for Iowa. South Dakota State almost shocked the Hawkeyes at home, but they still won 7-3. The offense showed almost no signs of life at all while the Hawkeye defense actually outscored their own offense, 4-3. I’ll give the Hawkeye defense credit, they are really good, if not great, and should be able to slow down the Cyclones a little bit. The Cyclones do have a lot of new starters after losing a good amount from last year’s team, but they do still have talent. The Cyclones also have balance on offense which should help against the Hawkeye defense. I really love the Cyclones here, and to be honest, while I think the spread is the safer bet, I don’t think you’ll have any issues if you do go the moneyline. Rivalries can be a bit unpredictable, but this one seems pretty safe this year. The Cyclones are a good bet to end their six-game losing streak in the rivalry this year.
Prediction: Iowa State +3.5
Iowa vs. Iowa State Key Matchups
The key to this game is if the Hawkeyes can score at all on offense against a Power Five team, after having so much trouble against an FCS team. Specifically, can Iowa quarterback, Spencer Petras, do more than he did last week? I do think he can better because there’s always rust and other kinks to be worked out after Week 1, but how much better? Iowa State’s defense ranked in the top 25 of college football last year, and that also showed through in Week 1 while holding their opponent to 320 total yards and under 100 rushing yards. Injuries played a part for the Iowa offense last week in the receiving corps, but the question remains. Not only is it a question on if Iowa can score against the Cyclones, but it’s also a question of how much do they need to score to potentially win? Spencer Petras is the biggest key because if he doesn’t improve at all then this game could get out of hand fast.
