Iowa Hawkeyes betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

Women’s NCAA Championship Game: Iowa vs. South Carolina odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Iowa vs. South Carolina odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (34-4) and South Carolina Gamecocks (37-0) meet Sunday in the National Championship Game of the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is slated for 3 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Iowa vs. South Carolina odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

It will be a rematch of a 2023 semifinal as a pair of No. 1 seeds clash in Cleveland.

Iowa advanced after a 71-69 win against No. 3 seed UConn Friday. Things got off to a slow start, but the Hawkeyes came on late. However, there was a controversial offensive foul on the Huskies with 3.9 seconds left with them trailing 70-69. Iowa got the ball back and it hung on for the win, although a late G Caitlin Clark missed free throw helped UConn grab the cover as a 2.5-point underdog.

The Hawkeyes shot just 45.8% (27-of-59) from the field, and just 28.0% (7-of-25) from behind the 3-point line, while turning it over 16 times. Iowa finished with a 37-to-29 rebounding margin as G Sydney Affolter, Clark and G Kate Martin combined for 24 of those boards. Meanwhile, it was F Hannah Stuelke who led the team with 23 points as Clark scored 21 points while struggling from behind the 3-point line (3-for-11).

Iowa has managed a 2-3 against the spread (ATS) mark in its 5 NCAA Tournament games, while the Under holds a slight 3-2 edge.

South Carolina rolled to a 78-59 semifinal win over 11th-seeded NC State Friday. The Gamecocks actually led just 32-31 at halftime, but the Gamecocks used a 29-6 run in the 3rd quarter to pull away for the win and cover as 11.5-point favorites, while the Under (139.5) hung on.

The Gamecocks were led by C Kamilla Cardoso, who went for a game-high 22 points with 11 rebounds and 2 blocked shots, while shooting an efficient 10-of-12 from the field. G Raven Johnson chipped in with 13 points, while G Te-Hina Paopao ended up with 10 points and a team-best 6 assists.

Like Iowa, South Carolina is 2-3 ATS in the Tournament, while the Under is 4-1 in the 5 outings.

South Carolina is No. 1 and Iowa is No. 2 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

Iowa vs. South Carolina odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday at 6:08 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Iowa +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | South Carolina -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
Against the spread: Iowa +6.5 (-110) | South Carolina -6.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 159.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Iowa vs. South Carolina and predictions

Prediction

South Carolina 81, Iowa 76

Moneyline

South Carolina (-275) will cost 2.75 times your potential return, and that’s way too much risk for not enough reward.

The unbeaten Gamecocks should get the job done in this revenge game after being bounced by the Hawkeyes last season in the Final Four, but I’m not willing and can’t suggest backing a -275 favorite in any sport.

However, expect Iowa (+220) to put up a good fight. This should be an epic cap for one of the most memorable seasons in women’s basketball history.

AVOID a moneyline play unless you’re willing to take a chance with Clark and the Hawkeyes.

Against the spread

IOWA +6.5 (-110) is worth backing, catching more than 3 buckets. Clark and Co. will be a tremendous test for unbeaten South Carolina.

Iowa stunned South Carolina last season 77-73 in the Final Four in Dallas, snapping a 42-game win streak for the Gamecocks. Clark scored 41 points to set a Final Four record, and you can bet she’ll be front and center for the Hawkeyes Sunday, especially after an ugly shooting performance in the semifinal against UConn.

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Over/Under

UNDER 159.5 (-110) is the lean in this title game.

The Under has cashed in 4 of 5 NCAA Tournament games for South Carolina, while cashing in 3 of 5 outings for Iowa. The total almost went low in the UConn game, too, but a late free throw by Clark flipped the total in favor of the Over by a half-point.

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Women’s NCAA Tournament: UConn vs. Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s UConn vs. Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UConn Huskies (33-5) and Iowa Hawkeyes (33-4) meet Friday at the Final Four in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland is slated for approximately 9 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the UConn vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-seeded Huskies will face the No. 1 seed Hawkeyes with a spot in the national championship hanging in the balance.

UConn beat 14th-seeded Jackson State 86-64 in the 1st round but came nowhere near covering as a 35.5-point favorites with the Over (135.5) connecting. Star G Paige Bueckers went for 28 points, 11 rebounds and 7 assists. In the 2nd round, UConn eased by No. 6 seed Syracuse 72-64, but the Orange easily covered as 19.5-point underdogs and the Under (144.5) cashed.

In the Sweet 16, UConn grinded out a low-scoring 53-45 win vs. No. 7 seed Duke, but again, the Huskies failed to cover. This time as 8.5-point favorites, and the Under (126.5) was never in doubt.

The Huskies followed by topping top-seeded USC and freshman phenom F Juju Watkins 80-73 in the Elite 8. UConn covered as a 3.5-point favorite and the Over (135.5) comfortably cashed. Bueckers went for 28 points and 10 boards in that victory. She is averaging 28.0 PPG, 9.0 RPG and 5.0 APG with 3.3 SPG and 1.5 BPG in 4 NCAA Tournament outings.

As for Iowa, the Hawkeyes topped 16th-seeded Holy Cross in the opening round 91-65, but they just missed cashing as 38.5-point favorites and the Under (157.5) came through.

In G Caitlin Clark‘s final home game in Iowa City, No. 8 seed West Virginia gave the scoring champ and the Hawkeyes all they could handle. In a contest that was tied with 2:15 to go, Iowa pulled away for a 64-54 victory and didn’t cover as 14.5-point favorites with the Under (163.5) hitting.

After moving on to Albany for the Sweet 16 and Elite 8, Iowa put together a complete game against 5th-seeded Colorado, rolling to an 89-68 win as a 7.5-point favorite as the Under (157.5) won by a hook.

In the highly anticipated 2023 national title rematch, Iowa eliminated 3rd-seeded LSU with a 94-87 thriller in the Elite 8. Clark dropped 41 points with 12 assists, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a blocked shot in 40 minutes, while knocking down 9 3-pointers as Iowa covered as a slight 1.5-point favorite. The Over (168.5) was never in question.

UConn vs. Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 2:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UConn +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Iowa -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
Against the spread: UConn +2.5 (-105) | Iowa -2.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 162.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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UConn vs. Iowa and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 78, UConn 74

Moneyline

Iowa (-155) is a solid play as a moderate moneyline favorite, if you just want to choose a winner without fiddling around the points.

Clark and the Hawkeyes are on a collision course with unbeaten South Carolina, and the TV ratings will likely be through the roof. Clark and the Hawkeyes will do their part to give the people what they want.

In this case, I’m willing to lay the points with the spread below and AVOID a moneyline wager.

Against the spread

IOWA -2.5 (-115) is a good play laying the small amount of points. Clark won’t be able to do it all herself, and she’ll need G Kate Martin, G Sydney Affolter or someone else to step up and give the Hawkeyes solid secondary or tertiary scoring.

UConn has made a tremendous run to the Final Four, and this is a team with a bright future, as usual. But the time is now for Clark and the Hawkeyes, and they should get it done together.

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Over/Under

UNDER 162.5 (-110) might be the best play on the board.

The Over-Under has split in 4 NCAA Tournament games for UConn, while the Under is 3-1 for Iowa in this tourney.

The Hawkeyes went off in the first quarter against LSU, and Clark was unconscious from behind the 3-point line all night. You can expect UConn will apply a lot more pressure along the perimeter, trying to make life more difficult for Clark and company than LSU did behind the arc.

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Women’s NCAA Tournament: LSU vs. Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s LSU vs. Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The LSU Lady Tigers (31-5) and Iowa Hawkeyes (32-4) meet Monday in Elite 8 action in the Women’s NCAA Tournament. Tip-off from the MVP Arena in Albany, N.Y., is slated for 7 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the LSU vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

The 3rd-seeded Tigers meet the 1st-seeded Hawkeyes in the Regional 2 Final for a trip to the Final Four in Cleveland. More importantly, this should be a rating’s bonanza, with F Angel Reese and the defending champion Tigers taking on record-setter G Caitlin Clark and the national runner-up Hawkeyes.

LSU has played better as the NCAA Tournament has moved along. It opened with an uninspiring 10-point win over 14th-seeded Rice in the 1st round in Baton Rouge, never threatening to cover the 28.5-point number as the Under (146.5) easily covered.

In the 2nd round, the Tigers downed 11th-seeded Middle Tennessee 83-56, covering as 16.5-point favorites, again hitting the Under (141.5). They played their best game of the tourney against 2nd-seeded UCLA in Albany Saturday, winning 78-69 to cover as 3.5-point favorites as the Over (144.5) just came through.

For the Hawkeyes, they topped 16th-seeded Holy Cross 91-65 in the opening round but just missed the cover as 38.5-point favorites in Iowa City with the Under (157.5) cashing. In Round 2, Iowa held off a charge from 8th-seeded West Virginia, winning 64-54, but again, Iowa failed to cover — this time as a 14.5-point favorite as the Under (163.5) again came in.

In a Sweet 16 matchup in Albany against 5th-seeded Colorado, the Hawkeyes played their most complete game of the tournament, cashing as 7.5-point favorites with the Under (157.5) hitting.

When these teams met last season in the championship game, LSU won 102-85 as a 3.5-point underdog — cashing as a +125 dog on the moneyline — and the Over (159.5) easily cashed.

Clark scored 30 for Iowa in last season’s title game, while hitting 8 triples. The Hawkeyes shot 50.0% from the field, and 46.7% behind the arc, but they turned the ball over 16 times and were outrebounded 37-26. LSU was led by G Jasmine Carson, who scored 22 off the bench, hitting 5 of the team’s 11 3-pointers in her final college game. Reese had a double-double, scoring 15 points with 10 boards, 5 assists, 3 steals and a blocked shot.

LSU is No. 6 and Iowa is No. 2 in USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll.

LSU vs. Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook’s; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): LSU +110 (bet $100 to win $110) | Iowa -135 (bet $135 to win $100)
Against the spread: LSU +1.5 (+100) | Iowa -1.5 (-120)
Over/Under (O/U): 168.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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LSU vs. Iowa and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 83, LSU 77

Moneyline

IOWA (-135) is worth playing in this highly-anticipated rematch. This is going to be a titanic contest for the women’s game, regardless of which team comes out on top. The TV ratings should be through the roof.

As far as the result, the Hawkeyes have played well in this tournament, played their best game against Colorado last time out.

Against the spread

IOWA -1.5 (-120) is slightly cheaper laying the bucket. Unless you strongly feel the Hawkeyes are going to win, but only by a point, this is a better option than the moneyline.

LSU was tremendous against UCLA, but something has been missing in this tournament. The Tigers just haven’t looked like a dominant team capable of winning it all.

Bank on Clark to get the job done in Albany, evening the score against the Tigers and Reese — after last season’s title-game loss — while the Hawkeyes advance to Cleveland with much bigger fish to fry.

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Over/Under

UNDER 168.5 (-110) is worth a look in this Elite 8 showdown.

The Tigers have cashed the Under in 2 of the past 3 NCAA Tournament games, while the Hawkeyes have ended up going low in all 3 of their games in the tourney. We had a high-scoring game last season in the national championship, but this season these teams have not been nearly as prolific on offense in the tournament.

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Illinois at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Illinois at Iowa odds and lines, with college basketball expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (18-12, 10-9 Big Ten) welcome the No. 12 Illinois Fighting Illini (22-8, 13-6) to Carver-Hawkeye Arena Sunday. Tip is set for 7 p.m. ET (FS1). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Illinois vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college basketball picks, predictions and best bets.

Illinois is No. 12 in the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll. The Fighting Illini lost to the No. 3 Purdue Boilermakers 77-71 Tuesday, failing to cover as 2.5-point home favorites. They snapped a 3-game winning streak with the loss. Illinois is 4-3 against the spread (ATS) in its last 7 games and 16-12-2 ATS on the season.

The Hawkeyes beat the Northwestern Wildcats 87-80 on the road March 2, covering as 2.5-point underdogs. They have won 4 of their last 5 games. In that span, they lost 95-85 on the road to Illinois, closing as 9.5-point underdogs. Iowa is 12-17-1 ATS on the season and led by F Payton Sandfort, who is averaging 16 points per game.

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Illinois at Iowa odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Illinois -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Iowa -104 (bet $104 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Illinois -1.5 (-105) | Iowa +1.5 (-115)
Over/Under (O/U): 172.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

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Illinois at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 88, Illinois 85

Moneyline

BET IOWA (-104).

The Hawkeyes have been on a roll as of late, beating Penn State at home, Northwestern on the road, Michigan State on the road and Wisconsin at home over its last 5 games. While it has a road loss to Illinois in that stretch, Iowa had more turnovers and fewer offensive rebounds. It trailed by 1 at half and couldn’t keep up in the 2nd half.

Iowa has 4 players averaging double figures and shooting 45% or better from the field. The Fighting Illini have lost 2 of their last 5 overall and 2 of their last 4 on the road. Expect the efficient Hawkeyes to win at home.

Take IOWA (-104).

Against the spread

PASS.

Take the home team on the moneyline for better value instead of a play on the spread.

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Over/Under

LEAN OVER 172.5 (-108).

Both teams play at a fast tempo and score with ease. The 1st battle between these teams totaled 180 points. That said, Illinois is 21-9 O/U on the season, while Iowa is 20-10 O/U.

Iowa has gone Over in 3 straight, scoring at least 85 in each. Illinois has gone Over in 9 of its last 10 and has scored at least 89 in 4 of its last 5. Considering those trends, back OVER 172.5 (-108).

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Minnesota at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Minnesota at Iowa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers (3-3, 1-2 Big Ten) and Iowa Hawkeyes (6-1, 3-1) meet Saturday at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City. Kickoff is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Minnesota vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

I am not a fan of either the Golden Gophers and Hawkeyes, but they battle this weekend for my favorite trophy, Floyd of Rosedale. The bronze trophy in the shape of a pig was 1st awarded to the winner of this annual battle in 1935.

Minnesota leads the all-time series 62-52-2, although Iowa has brought Floyd back to Iowa City in 8 straight seasons, and 10 of the past 11 meetings. The last time the Golden Gophers won in Iowa was Nov. 20, 1999, as the Hawkeyes have defended their home stadium successfully in 10 straight battles.

The Gophers are coming off a 52-10 setback at home against Michigan, and Minnesota is now just 1-5 against the spread (ATS) this season. The Over has cashed in each of the past 3 outings.

The Hawkeyes have racked up 3 straight wins since getting blanked at Penn State on Sept. 23. Iowa won 15-6 at Wisconsin last week as a 9-point underdog, seizing control of the Big Ten’s West Division. Iowa is 2-0-1 ATS in the past 3 games, and 4-1-1 ATS in the previous 6 outings, while cashing the Under in 3 of the past 4 contests.

Iowa is No. 23 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Minnesota at Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:37 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Minnesota +150 (bet $100 to win $150) | Iowa -185 (bet $185 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Minnesota +3.5 (-110) | Iowa -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 30.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Minnesota at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 20, Minnesota 15

Moneyline

IOWA (-185) is slightly above my personal limit for a moneyline wager, but it’s perfectly acceptable in a rivalry game, especially with a spread of 3 and a hook which I am not a giant fan of. Plus, if you toss this into a multi-team parlay, it is much more appealing.

The Hawkeyes are offensively challenged, but the Golden Gophers are not great defensively, and Iowa should be able to get the offense rolling. And Iowa has won 8 in a row in the series, and 10 of the past 11. The Hawkeyes have owned this series, and they’re the better team this season, too.

Against the spread

IOWA -3.5 (-110) being favored by this little bit of points is rather surprising. And, the Hawkeyes have dominated the series, while going 4-1-1 ATS in the past 6 games overall. The Hawkeyes might be one of my favorite plays of the weekend, even if it is one of my least favorite numbers to bet.

Over/Under

OVER 30.5 (-110) is such a small number. This is the type of total you’d see back in the 1970’s or earlier, not in this day and age of video game football. But Iowa is a throwback, playing a very stingy brand of defense. Iowa allows just 14.9 PPG, while limiting the opposition to 324.4 total yards per game. And the offense is nearly non-existent, posting just 247.4 total yards per outing, while amassing only 116.6 passing yards per game.

Despite Iowa’s poor showing on offense, it should be able to move the ball on a Minnesota team which has allowed 26.7 PPG, and 235.3 passing yards per contest.

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UMass at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s UMass at Penn State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The UMass Minutemen (1-6) take a trip to Happy Valley to face the No. 5 Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0) Saturday. Kickoff from Beaver Stadium is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Network). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the UMass vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Penn State, who was off last week, has won all of its 5 games by a minimum of 23 points and have only allowed 48 total points on the year. QB Drew Allar has shined to start his collegiate career, completing 64.5% (102 of 158) of his passes for 1,092 yards and 9 TDs with 0 INTs.

UMass suffered its 6th-consecutive loss on Saturday, 41-24 vs. the Toledo Rockets, but covering as a 19.5-point underdog. RB Kay’Ron Lynch-Adams ran for 157 yards and 1 TD on 20 carries. Lynch-Adams has now rushed for 661 yards and 6 TDs this season while averaging 5.1 yards per carry.

Penn State is No. 5 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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UMass at Penn State odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:28 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): UMass +8000 (bet $100 to win $8000) | Penn State -10000 (bet $10000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): UMass +41.5 (-110) | Penn State -41.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 54.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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UMass at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 52, UMass 12

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nittany Lions will pick up the win here, but a -10000 favorite is not worth the risk of betting on. Bet on the spread and/or Over/Under instead.

Against the spread

BET UMASS +41.5 (-110).

The Nittany Lions have only beaten 1 of their 5 opponents by 41.5-points or more this season, and that came in a 63-7 victory vs. Delaware in Week 2. Penn State should have no trouble defeating the Minutemen and their very weak defense, but I’m not quite sold on them winning by this big of a margin as I expect the backups to play for a majority of the 2nd half.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 54.5 (-110).

Expect the Nittany Lions to carve up this Minutemen defense that allows 453.9 yards per game, but the Nittany Lion defense only allows 210.6 yards per game and should limit UMass from scoring. I like Penn State to score at least 45 here which should help this game hit the Over even with the Minutemen having trouble on offense.

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Iowa at Wisconsin odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Iowa at Wisconsin odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-1, 2-1 Big Ten) and the Wisconsin Badgers (4-1, 2-0) meet Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Kickoff is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Iowa vs. Wisconsin odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hawkeyes head into Madison looking to secure the Heartland Trophy, awarded to the winner in this annual rivalry. More importantly, Iowa can pull into a tie for first place in the Big Ten’s West Division and perhaps the best avenue to the Big Ten Championship Game, as everyone else in the division has at least 2 losses in conference play already.

Iowa picked up a 20-14 win over Purdue last time out, cashing as a 1.5-point favorite. It has back-to-back conference wins over Purdue and Michigan State, bouncing back from a 31-0 dusting at Penn State on Sept. 23.

The Hawkeyes are 3-1-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past 5 games. The Under and Over has alternated in the past 5 outings. However, the Under is 2-0 in Iowa’s pair of road games this season.

Wisconsin picked up a 24-13 win over Rutgers last time out, just missing the cover as a 13-point favorite. The Badgers have struggled against the number this season, going just 1-3-1 ATS in 5 games overall, including 0-2-1 ATS in 3 games at Camp Randall. The Under has cashed in Wisconsin’s past 2 home games, too.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Iowa at Wisconsin odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 6:44 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Iowa +270 (bet $100 to win $270) | Wisconsin -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa +9.5 (-110) | Wisconsin -9.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 34.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Iowa at Wisconsin picks and predictions

Prediction

Wisconsin 23, Iowa 16

Moneyline

Wisconsin (-350) will cost you 3 1/2 times your potential return, which is way too much risk in a big conference showdown. The Badgers have won the past 3 games by 11 or more points, but Iowa is a disciplined and strong defensive team that has really had just one poor game.

You can’t play the Hawkeyes straight up, but they should keep it pretty close.

PASS.

Against the spread

IOWA +9.5 (-110) grabbed QB Cade McNamara in the transfer portal from Michigan in the offseason and while he hasn’t made the Hawkeyes offense prolific, it’s night and day improved over last season. It doesn’t put all of the pressure on its defense, and can actually score a respectable amount of points.

Iowa has scored 20 or more points in 5 of its 6 games, which keeps it in games because the defense is still solid. The Hawkeyes are 3-1-1 ATS in the past 5 games overall.

The Hawkeyes have won 2 of the past 3 games in the series, both at home, while Iowa is 3-1 ATS in the past 4 meetings.

Over/Under

OVER 34.5 (-105) is the lean as this is a super low number.

The Under has cashed in 3 straight meetings in this series, with exactly 34 total points in the past 2 games, and 35 or fewer points in each of the past 3 battles.

However, Iowa is averaging a respectable 23.0 PPG in the past 2 games, while notching 20 or more points in 5 of 6 games overall.

Wisconsin has scored 22 or more points in all 5 games while yielding at least 13 points in each game this season.

We’re not going to see a high-scoring battle, but this isn’t going to be a low-scoring defensive slog in the 20s or low 30s, either. Look for this game to approach the 40-point total mark, which would cash the Over.

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Michigan State at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Michigan State at Iowa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Iowa Hawkeyes (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten) welcome the Michigan State Spartans (2-2, 0-1) to Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Michigan State vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

The Hawkeyes opened their Big Ten play last week with a 31-0 loss at No. 7 Penn State, failing to cover as a 14-point underdog. Iowa is 2-2 against the spread (ATS) and 1-3 O/U. It is led by former Michigan QB Cade McNamara, who has 4 TDs and 3 INTs. Iowa’s strength is in its defense, having allowed 14 or fewer points in each of its first 3 games.

Michigan State also opened conference play last week. It lost 31-9 to the Maryland Terrapins, closing as a 7-point underdog. The Spartans are 2-2 ATS. It has yet to cover as an underdog. This will be the Spartans’ 1st road game of the season too. QB Noah Kim captains the offense, but RB Nathan Carter, who has 369 rushing yards in 4 games, is the most lethal big-play weapon.

Rankings: US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Michigan State at Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 12:28 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Michigan State +340 (bet $100 to win $340) | Iowa -450 (bet $450 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Michigan State +11.5 (-110) | Iowa -11.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 36.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Michigan State at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 24, Michigan State 7

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s just no value here. Michigan State has been obliterated in 2 straight weeks and isn’t worth taking at +340. The expensive Iowa moneyline -450 isn’t worth backing either.

There’s nothing to see here.

Against the spread

BET IOWA -11.5 (-105).

Michigan State went on the road and lost 31-9 to Maryland last week. The Spartans are 0-2 straight up and ATS against Power 5 opponents. They were just 1-2-2 ATS on the road last season.

Iowa took down Big 12 side Iowa State and covered as a 3.5-point favorite in a 20-13 win in Week 2. The Hawkeyes were destroyed last week which might have been more about how good Penn State is and less about Iowa’s shortcomings.

The Hawkeyes have the better defense and better quarterback. Back them to cover. Take IOWA -11.5 (-110).

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 36.5 (-110).

If there’s one thing both sides can agree on, it is that scoring points is overrated. Michigan State has averaged 8 points per game against Power 5 foes. It is 1-3 O/U this season.

Iowa has topped 24 points just once this season and has held its opponent to 14 or fewer in 3 of 4 games. It is also 1-3 O/U through the first 4 weeks of the season.

Expect a slow-paced game and back UNDER 36.5 (-110).

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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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 / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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Iowa at Penn State odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Iowa at Penn State odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 22 Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0, 0-0 Big Ten) take a trip to Happy Valley to play the No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0, 1-0) Saturday in this year’s White Out Game. Kickoff from Beaver Stadium is set for 7:30 p.m. ET (CBS). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Iowa vs. Penn State odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Iowa is undefeated, but only 1 of their wins was convincing. The Hawkeyes struggled in wins vs. Utah State (24-14) and Iowa State (20-13). Last week they blew out the Western Michigan Broncos 41-10 as 28.5-point home favorites. QB Cade McNamara has looked shaky thus far, completing 38 of his 71 passes (54%) for 417 yards, 4 TDs, and 3 INTs.

The Nittany Lions have cruised to 3 pretty convincing wins, but their offense looked shaky despite covering as 13-point favorite in last week’s 30-13 win vs. the Illinois Fighting Illini. QB Drew Allar had the worst start of his young career, completing 16 of 33 passes for 208 yards. The Penn State defense has been dominant (11.7 points per game) and I expect that to continue when backed by the White Out crowd vs. Iowa.

Iowa is No. 22 and Penn State is No. 7 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports

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Iowa at Penn State odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 11:42 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Iowa +450 (bet $100 to win $450) | Penn State -650 (bet $650 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Iowa +14.5 (-110) | Penn State -14.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 40 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Iowa at Penn State picks and predictions

Prediction

Penn State 32, Iowa 14

Moneyline

PASS.

The Nittany Lions are on a 3-game win streak in White Out Games, and I expect that streak to continue. But as a -650 favorite the line is not worth the juice. Bet on the spread and/or total instead.

Against the spread

LEAN PENN STATE -14.5 (-110).

I like the Nittany Lions to cover here as the deafening noise from the White Out crowd will make life very difficult on McNamara and the Iowa offense. Penn State’s defense has been stellar, having allowed 35 total points and no more than 15 points in any game, and I expect the Nittany Lions D to force turnovers that will help the offense generate points. Iowa has won the last 2 meetings with Penn State, but I expect that streak to come to end here.

Over/Under

BET OVER 40 (-110).

The Over number of 40 has been hit in 6 of the last 7 meetings between the Hawkeyes and Nittany Lions, and that should continue here. The Hawkeyes have struggled on offense, but Penn State should be able to carry this game to the Over. The Nittany Lions’ lowest scoring this season was 30 points, which makes me feel confident in their ability to put up points even if the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders.

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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 / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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Western Michigan at Iowa odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Western Michigan at Iowa odds and lines, with college football expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The No. 24 Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0) welcome the Western Michigan Broncos (1-1) to Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Kickoff is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (Big Ten Ntwork). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Western Michigan vs. Iowa odds, and make our expert college football picks and predictions.

Western Michigan opened its season up with a 35-17 win over St. Francis (Pa.), covering as a 13.5-point favorite. It then lost 48-7 at Syracuse, failing to cover as a 25-point underdog. The Broncos are led by RB Jalen Buckley, who has 281 yards rushing and 2 TDs in 2 games. They finished last season 5-7 overall and 3-3 on the road, 3rd in the MAC West.

The Hawkeyes beat Utah State 24-14 on Sept. 2, yet failed to cover a 24-point spread. They then beat Iowa State 20-13 on the road, covering as a 3.5-point underdog. Former Michigan QB Cade McNamara is the starter for the Hawkeyes and has 2 TDs and and INT in 2 starts. Iowa is No. 24 in the US LBM Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.

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Western Michigan at Iowa odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday at 7:37 p.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Western Michigan +1800 (bet $100 to win $1,800) | Iowa -10000 (bet $10,000 to win $100)
Against the spread (ATS): Western Michigan +28.5 (-110) | Iowa -28.5 (-110)
Over/Under (O/U): 42.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

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Western Michigan at Iowa picks and predictions

Prediction

Iowa 34, Western Michigan 3

Moneyline

PASS.

There’s nothing to see here. Never take a -10000 favorite in college sports.

Against the spread

LEAN IOWA -28.5 (-110).

The only concern here is if Iowa has the ability to score enough points to cover.

However, Syracuse scored 48 on Western Michigan, and it ranked 10th in the preseason ACC media poll. It wasn’t expected to look good yet the Broncos made them look like an NFL-caliber side. That dominance was more about how weak the Western Michigan defense is than the potency of the Orange.

The Hawkeyes have scored at least 14 points in a quarter in both games. McNamara was a high-profile transfer and captains the offense well. He should be able to put points on the board, and the Broncos may have little to say about it.

Iowa is coming off an impressive showing while Western Michigan is coming off a blowout loss against an unranked opponent. Back IOWA -28.5 (-110).

Over/Under

BET UNDER 42.5 (-110).

Iowa’s defense has been the crux of its game plan over the last several years. That will again be its strength in 2023, and it has allowed 14 or fewer in both games, against teams that are better offensively than Western Michigan.

Even if Iowa gets up big, it will likely pound the ball on the ground and likely won’t keep the gas on enough to top this total. Both teams are 0-2 O/U so far this season.

All logic points to fewer points. Back UNDER 42.5 (-110).

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[gambcom-standard rankid=”5″ ]

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow @nathanbeighle_ on Twitter/X. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X 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 / Recruiting / Transfer portal / College Football Playoffs / College Sports Wire

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