The Nevada Wolf Pack (2-1) travel to Kinnick Stadium to take on the Iowa Hawkeyes (1-1) Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around Nevada at Iowa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.
Nevada is coming off a disappointing 55-42 loss to Incarnate Word after opening the season with consecutive wins. The Wolf Pack’s 2 victories came against the Sun Belt’s Texas State (38-14 last week) and New Mexico State (23-12 Aug. 27).
The Wolf Pack are led by QB Nate Cox, who has 372 passing yards with 2 touchdowns. On the ground, it’s been RB Toa Taua, who has 246 yards with 3 TDs.
The Hawkeyes offense is engineered by QB Spencer Petras, who has struggles so far. He’s thrown for just 201 yards with 2 TDs. RB Leshon Williams has been Iowa’s main ground threat, rushing for 106 yards with 1 score.
Iowa is coming off a 10-7 loss to in-state rival Iowa State after beating South Dakota State 7-3 in the season opener. As you can see, the offense has struggled, scoring just 14 points through 2 games.
Check out: AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY sports
Stream select live college football games and full replays: Get ESPN+
Nevada at Iowa odds
Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 3:18 p.m. ET.
- Money line (ML): Nevada +1400 (bet $100 to win $1,400) | Iowa -4000 (bet $4,000 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Nevada +23.5 (-103) | Iowa -23.5 (-117)
- Over/Under (O/U): Off the board
Claim your risk-free bet up to $350. Catch the excitement and start betting with Tipico Sportsbook! New customer offer in CO and NJ. 21+, see Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. Bet now!
Nevada at Iowa picks and predictions
Prediction
Iowa 21, Nevada 3
Money line
PASS.
Laying -4000 is not a good value, especially against an Iowa team that has only scored 14 points in 2 games. I’ll stick to Nevada covering the spread (see below) and not predict one of the biggest upsets of the weekend.
Against the spread
BET NEVADA +23.5 (-103).
The Hawkeyes being favored by more than 3 touchdowns when they have just 2 on the season doesn’t feel right. Iowa QB Petras hasn’t played well.
Sure, there might be doubts to back the Wolf Pack since they just lost to an FCS squad, but the point is that the Hawkeyes simply will struggle to score enough points to cover.
In last week’s 10-7 loss, Iowa had just 58 rushing yards and 92 passing yards on an Iowa State team that allowed more points (10) to Southeast Missouri State.
While Nevada did beat NMSU and Texas State by double figures, it likely won’t come out on top in Iowa City Saturday. However, the Pack will provide a challenge for the Hawkeyes and should cover a line of 3-plus touchdowns.
Over/Under
While the game is off the board at Tipico Sportsbook, several books have the O/U line posted around 39.5.
I would play the Under as low as 37.5.
Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Want action on this game or any other NCAA football matchup? Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, SportsbookWire’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 @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter. 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
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]