Hawks by 13+, your pick?

[uihawk82]

I have a good feeling the defense makes a big play for a score or to set up a quick score, the offense does well, and one of the backs has a big TD run or to set up a TD. Defense does well overall and offense moves ball pretty consistently. I think O-line comes up big against an experienced defense. Hawk dline and defense gets enough negative plays to stymie their offense.

Hawks win 27-14.

 

[DJL]

24-13. I think NI has trouble moving the ball with a new QB and O-line. The Hawks dominate the line of scrimmage on offense and put together a few solid drives.

 

[TritonHawkeye]

27-10 HAWKS!!

 

[CPHAWK82]

I expect the Hawks to move the ball on offense. Hawks will take the field by storm...literally....Hurricane Kirk is slowly approaching. Hawks by 17.

Hurricane Kirk : 5 Day Forecast Map | Weather Underground

 

[Palpatine]

Rain all day tomorrow could affect our passing, and who knows what our running game will look like?

Iowa 17-14.

 

[SpiderRico]

We start out slow. Halftime somewhere around 17-10 Hawks. After making some adjustments, we explode in the 3rd quarter for 21 unanswered point to go into the 4th with a commanding 38-10 lead. We tack on a field goal with the scrubs and NIU scores a td late to make it...

Iowa - 41
NIU - 17

 

[wundergrape]

Our defense plays far better than anyone imagined, setting up dangerously high expectations for the unit:

17-6 Hawks

 

[DwayneTwill]

If the spread is 13, I'd take NIU. I hope I'd lose and the Hawks come out on fire but I'm skeptical.

 

[iloveyoularrystation]

I know, I know, trap game. I know, I know these are the types of games we struggle in.

I also know that since Ferentz second year when we played KSU at arrowhead Ferentz coached teams haven't lost the 1st game of the season. They've all been cream puff teams on the schedule, and honestly since 2000 northern illinois is the best team we've faced in this opening game. Make no mistake however, this northern illinois team is not last years, nor are they a remnant. Dude seriously, they're replacing the entire o-line, their skill position players on offense, including their QB who was also they're best runner last year. Iowa will win, and win pretty convincingly. Only way Northern Illinois makes it to 17 points is if Iowa gives them a touchdown on an interception or fumble.
Iowa wins 34-9

 

[HawkPrdatr40]

Iowa 23
NIU 13

 

[scullydirt]

Hawkeyes 17
NIU 12

 

[Stanzi]

I really think the Hawks win this one easily. NIU's defense is not good, and our offense should be solid this season. NIU lost a lot on offense so they don't have the advantage there either. Of course, if it's pouring all game that can change things, but I expect Iowa to win this one comfortably.

Final score: Iowa 38 NIU 17

 

[DTF]

If it's close, it's due to the elements or Iowa has a serious problem, not NIU. They lost their school's best player, someone said they aren't very good defensively, and they're a MAC school. Don't over think this match up, if things run their course Iowa should win handily.

 

[DesMoinesHawki]

Iowa 27 NI 13

 

[busabus114]

If the spread is 13, I'd take NIU. I hope I'd lose and the Hawks come out on fire but I'm skeptical.

Gotta agree with Dwayno here

 

[bcl20]

I kind of don't feel like Iowa is going to win this game.

 

[WestCoastHawk]

Iowa 42 - NIU - 20

 

[hawkeyegamefilm]

31-17 Iowa. Not a nail-biter, but far from a blow out.

 

[bphawkeye]

i think i've been stating something like 34-10. but after the south carolina game, the stanford game, the mich st game - i'm thinking just win baby, and i think 11 points will be too much to cover.

i also recall how vandy does not play well on the road - and we need him to better than the average bear.

well - i'm now concerned more than i was on tuesday. Just win baby!

 

[Harpo]

Earlier in the week, I picked Iowa 23-20. I still think it will be a close game with Iowa behind at the half but going ahead and then holding on for the win. I hope Iowa wins big but I would not bet on Iowa winning by 13+.