The Northern Iowa Panthers visit the Air Force Falcons Saturday at Falcon Stadium in each team’s season opener. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Panthers vs. Falcons odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
The Panthers come into the season ranked No. 21 in the FCS after finishing last season with a 6-6 record. For the 22nd straight season, the Panthers will be headed by coach Mark Farley, the program’s winningest coach.
They are returning 4 All-MVFC players, including two defensive strengths in DB Benny Sapp III and LB Spencer Cuvelier. They will look to play with discipline and poise as they face an academy school, which Farley calls a “great honor.”
The Falcons enter with a staggering 25-0 record against FCS teams all time, all of which happened in their home stadium with 15 of the 25 wins under coach Troy Calhoun.
They will bring confidence into this one as they have outscored opponents 223-28 in their last 5 season openers. They hope to start their season off with a bang under returning senior QB Haaziq Daniels.
Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports
Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Northern Iowa at Air Force odds
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 9:57 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Northern Iowa +650 (bet $100 to win $650) | Air Force -1000 (bet $1,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Northern Iowa +16.5 (-110) | Air Force -16.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)
Exclusive USA TODAY Network offer: Deposit $10 or more, get $200 in instant bet credits at Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Place your legal, online sports bets at Tipico. Let’s make this interesting. Bet now!
Northern Iowa at Air Force picks and predictions
Prediction
Air Force 34, Northern Iowa 13
Money line
PASS.
The Falcons (-1000) will win, but there’s no value on the money line with them being such a big favorite.
Against the spread
BET AIR FORCE -16.5 (-110).
Their record against FCS teams is undeniable and the program’s winningest coach will be leading them into his 22nd season, which is why I am willing to lay the points here.
Northern Iowa may keep this game close in the early stages, but coming into a high-altitude Falcon Stadium, facing the roar of the home crowd, Air Force will separate itself and pull away by the end of this one.
Over/Under
The OVER 42.5 (-112) is worth a lean. Air Force returns a lot of experienced players, who are hoping to set the tone in Game 1 for the rest of their season.
The Falcons will look to start off fast and get on the board early in front of their home fans, while also maintaining rhythm against a strong Panthers defense.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO and NJ. Bet now!
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW, or try out our USA TODAY Parlay Calculator. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / Iowa / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Nebraska / North Carolina / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin / College Football News
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]