Last week the Iowa Hawkeyes hit the over in their total! Talk about a rarity. It took nearly all four quarters, but it happened. Speaking of that bet happening, it also moved my own best bet to a scorching hot 5-0 on the year. More on that later this week as we try to find another winner.
This week against Purdue may be a different story. The Hawkeyes are starting backup quarterback Deacon Hill with Cade McNamara likely out the rest of the season. They go up against a Purdue defense that is led by very defensive-minded head coach Ryan Walters.
On the contrary, Iowa’s defense found its footing last week and were back to their usual turnover-creating ways. The combination of all of this has the Hawkeyes and Boilermakers among CBS Sports’ best bets weeks for Week 6.
Iowa QB Cade McNamara is likely lost for the season after suffering a leg injury last week against Michigan State. That is a big blow to an offense that struggles to score under the best of circumstances. Purdue’s offense is showing signs of improvement, but the Iowa defense is a tough nut to crack. The only way this game goes over is if the defenses or special teams score, which could happen because each team’s defense and special teams have scored this season. Pick: Under (38.5) – Palm, CBS Sports
Last week’s total was 36.5 and ended with 42 total points, 10 of them coming in the final minutes by virtue of an Iowa punt return touchdown and late field goal. This week is a slightly higher total and although the forecast is calling for pristine football weather in the upper 50s, that may be a tough ask.
Iowa is very likely to rely on their defense and special teams as they did last game against a team that they feel they can outperform in those two areas. Iowa doesn’t need to or even want to try and win pretty. They just want to win and if it is a slugfest, so be it.
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