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The Minnesota Gophers are set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes this weekend. With that said, it’s a good time to check out our college football odds series, which includes our Minnesota-Iowa prediction, odds, and pick we have laid out below.
Here’s how the bookmakers have set the Minnesota-Iowa odds:
College Football odds: Minnesota-Iowa Odds
Minnesota: +4.5 (-114)
Iowa: -4.5 (-106)
Over: 37.5 (-105)
Under: 37.5 (-115)
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Why Minnesota Could Cover the Spread
Last weekend, the Minnesota Gophers were coming off an ugly 14-6 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini. The defense for Illinois dominated Minnesota with six sacks and two interceptions. The Gophers are 6-3 this season, ranking 2nd in the Big Ten-West. The offense is scoring 25.9 points on 361.7 yards per game. The Gophers favor their run game, as they rush the ball 68.49% of the time, which is 4th in the nation. They rank 8th in rushes per game with 45.9. Senior quarterback Tanner Morgan leads the way with 1,357 passing yards and six touchdowns this season. Running back Trey Potts has 552 rushing yards and six touchdowns; however, the Gophers have several backs that have scored multiple rushing touchdowns this season.
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Defensively, Minnesota has a respectable group ranking in the top 15 in opponent points per game (18.3) and opponent yards per game (299.0). Over the last three games, the Gophers have allowed just 12 points to opponents. They will be facing an Iowa offense that has not scored over 17 points in its last three contests. Minnesota is 4-1 against the spread in their last five games overall.
Why Iowa Could Cover the Spread
The Iowa Hawkeyes were off to a hot start, winning their first six games before losing two games shortly after. They have a 7-2 record and rank 1st in the Big Ten-West. In their latest victory, Iowa beat Northwestern 17-12 after changing quarterbacks. Sophomore quarterback Alex Padilla took over for Spencer Petras and had 18 completions for 172 yards. The defense stepped up big once again, forcing three Northwestern interceptions. Running back Tyler Goodson leads Iowa with 754 rushing yards and six touchdowns.
The Hawkeyes have the 4th best defense in terms of opponent points per game (15.7) and yards per play (4.2). The defense has been the most valuable asset to this Hawkeye team and will host the Gophers in Kinnick Stadium, where opponents average a mere 9.0 points per game. Over their last 12 games following a win, Iowa is 9-3 against the spread.
Final Minnesota-Iowa Prediction & Pick
The low total on the game indicates that this matchup should be a solid defensive battle. Minnesota's depth at running back has been put to the test this season with injuries piling up, and it was evident last game when Minnesota was held to fewer than 125 rushing yards for the first time all year. This bodes well for an Iowa defense that is second in the Big Ten against the run. If the Gophers cannot run the ball, then Tanner Morgan will be forced to throw, and he has more interceptions than touchdown passes this season. Iowa should handle business at home and improve to a 5-2 conference record. Lay the points with the Hawkeyes at home, who should win this game by at least a touchdown.
FINAL MINNESOTA-IOWA PREDICTION & PICK: Iowa -4.5 (-106)
