The No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) and Northwestern Wildcats (3-5, 1-4) meet Saturday at Ryan Field in Evanston, Ill. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Iowa vs. Northwestern odds and lines, and make our expert college football picks, predictions and bets.
Rankings according to the AFCA Coaches Poll powered by USA TODAY Sports.
The Hawkeyes fell 27-7 at Wisconsin last week, a second consecutive setback and non-cover after a 6-0 SU/5-1 ATS start. The 27 points allowed were a season high, and Iowa has yielded 25.5 PPG across the past two while averaging just 7.0 PPG.
The Wildcats also enter on a two-game skid. They were outscored 74-21 in two games at Michigan and home to Minnesota during the span. They enter 0-2 ATS in the past two, and 2-6 ATS overall.
Iowa at Northwestern odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:29 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Iowa -500 (bet $500 to win $100) | Northwestern +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
- Against the spread (ATS): Iowa -11.5 (-110) | Northwestern +11.5 (-110)
- Over/Under (O/U): 40.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Iowa at Northwestern odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Iowa 26, Northwestern 17
Money line
Iowa (-500) will cost you five times your potential return. That’s risky considering it’s on the road and in the midst of a two-game win streak. It’s also risky since the Hawkeyes have managed just 14 total points across the past two outings.
AVOID.
Against the spread
NORTHWESTERN +11.5 (-110) catching double digits at home is the play. The Wildcats have really struggled offensively this season, putting up just 19.0 PPG. But they’re decent defensively, and Iowa has had offensive issues of its own lately.
Look for the Hawkeyes to win, but the Wildcats to keep it within one score.
Over/Under
OVER 40.5 (-110) is the lean here, although don’t expect a track meet. Winds gusting 12-15 mph might wreak havoc on the kicking game, too. That’s always a concern in a tight game when playing the Over. I still expect a total in the 40’s as Iowa gets well against Northwestern.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @WinWithJoe on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
College sports coverage from USA TODAY Sports Media Group:
Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Michigan State / Notre Dame / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / 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), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]
