Iowa game ... the total

[okieviaiowa]

Each week during the college football season, Covers Expert Steve Merril looks at the NCAAF odds and tells you which spread to bet now, which one to bet later and which total to watch as the week plays out.:

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Iowa Hawkeyes (45.5)

Minnesota and Iowa are similar teams in that they’re heavily reliant on running the football and playing excellent defense to win. The total opened at 46.5, and early money on the Under has lowered the number to 46 and 45.5 at various sportsbooks.

The Golden Gophers have really struggled on offense, but their defense has been stout, especially on the road where they’re holding opponents to just 22 points per game on 4.5 yards per play. The Hawkeyes’ defense has been outstanding at home where they are only giving up only 17.8 points per game on 4.5 yards per play. This game should be low-scoring, and there’s still value on the Under at the current number.

 

[shuman346]

Since about midseason I have felt like the Hawks where going to crush Minnesota. Tall order I know because of the Gopher defense but I just think that the pounding we took last year at the hands of the Gophers is still resonating within our players and coaches. I want to say that we win by 20+

 

[okieviaiowa]

Iowa will cover

MN off Michigan and OSU and beat up
Big time revenge by Iowa

Line up to 12.5 Hawks

 

[shuman346]

Not to mention Minnesota can't pass. Iowa should be able to load up on the line of scrimmage and our coverage will likely be up the task. I really think the good guys roll in this one. If we do, does the near miss for the Gophers at TCU garner any comparison to a win for our Hawkeyes?

 

[okieviaiowa]

Shuman:

OSU on their field beats MN by 14

Iowa wins by 27 will be another solid bonus pt for KF and company

 

[shuman346]

Shuman:

OSU on their field beats MN by 14

Iowa wins by 27 will be another solid bonus pt for KF and company

Maybe, we shall see. I have a good feeling about Saturday but I also think that even if CJ throws for 300, 4 TDs, Canzeri and Wadley go for 100+ each and we hold Minnesota to 3 points the excuse will be that Minnesota was without their best cornerback and the team is in turmoil due to the situation with coach Kill. Valid points but I bet it will negate the Hawkeyes performance unless we only win by three and then Cowturd shreds us.

 

[ibahawkeye]

Said all along that Minny's offense can't score on our D. We will score below our season average but still enough to win. 17 points might do it...

 

[shuman346]

Said all along that Minny's offense can't score on our D. We will score below our season average but still enough to win. 17 points might do it...

Agreed. I think we roll in this one. Our offense may not light up the yardage but I think our defense forces at least two turnovers that we score from.

 

[HawksMN]

Not to mention Minnesota can't pass. Iowa should be able to load up on the line of scrimmage and our coverage will likely be up the task. I really think the good guys roll in this one. If we do, does the near miss for the Gophers at TCU garner any comparison to a win for our Hawkeyes?

Actually, MN can't RUN. 13th in the league. MN is going to look to air it out a little, believe it or not.

 

[Floridahawkeye1]

The Hawks will be ready!! Rivalry game. Floyd. Revenge. #5. Pride. Confidence. QB
Hawks fly in this game if focused.

 

[HawkeyeMHA]

Leidner is not a good qb. We have faced several better than him this year. He will not be the qb that beats this D. That makes the goofs have to beat us with the run. Over the course of a full game, I don't see this happening. Our offense versus their defense wins more than they lose. Our d against their O wins more than it loses. We are the better team. W out turnovers or major lapses we win this.

 

[TJHawkeye]

Canzeri back with a full load of ammo at RB means we will pound them all day long. Then a little play action by CJ and we roll.

 

[GrandpaHawk]

Not sure why everyone feels their QB isn't good,I watched him against Ohio St and he made some good throws.Hes a drop back pocket QB so we need to squeeze the pocket and get after him.

 

[hawkdrummer1]

Their QB, Leidner is hot and cold...mostly cold. We need to rattle him early and it'll be over. Could be pick-city

 

[rhoffs8]

Iowa could hit the over by themselves, I think it ends up being a blowout. I'd say the final score is 45-13.

 

[bitmap]

Their QB, Leidner is hot and cold...mostly cold. We need to rattle him early and it'll be over. Could be pick-city

If it turns out like this we may see the Iowa interception record broken (or smashed) by DK.