Iowa vs. Penn State Prediction
Can No. 17 Penn State get back on track when the Nittany Lions play host to No. 18 Iowa this afternoon in college football?
Game Snapshot & Odds
Saturday, October 27, 2018
3:30PM ET – Beaver Stadium
TV: ESPN
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Public Betting Trends
According to oddsmakers at BetNow.eu, Penn State is favored at home, as the Nittany Lions are getting odds of -6 points against Iowa. The over/under total for the contest is listed at 52 points. The public betting for this game currently has 69 percent going on Iowa on the road. This information is subject to change, however, so be sure to check out our College Football Public Betting Page for updated figures on the game.
Penn State seeks back-to-back wins
Penn State put and end to its two-game losing streak last week with a 33-28 win at Indiana. The Nittany Lions had lost to Ohio State and Michigan State at home prior. PSU is now 5-2 on the season, 2-2 in the Big Ten, 4-3 against the spread and 5-2 with the over. They have failed to cover in their last two games.
The Nittany Lions are putting up 42.6 points and 480.6 yards per game on offense this year. They are balanced with their attack, averaging 240 yards in the air and on the ground. Miles Sanders has rushed for 772 yards and eight touchdowns while Trace McSorley has run for 554 yards and eight scores. McSorley has thrown for 1,461 yards and 11 touchdowns. Defensively, Penn State is giving up 22.0 points and 392 yards per game.
Iowa seeks marquee win
The Iowa Hawkeyes are on a three-game win streak, following a 23-0 win at home over Maryland. Iowa is now 6-1 on the season, 3-1 in the Big Ten, 6-1 against the spread and 4-3 with the over. The Hawkeyes have covered the spread in three straight as well.
Iowa has a strong defense that is giving up 14.1 points and 258.1 yards per game. Their run defense is allowing just 79.6 yards per contest. On offense, the Hawkeyes are averaging 30.6 points and 397.3 yards per game. Nate Stanley has thrown for 1,559 yards and 16 touchdowns and six interceptions to lead the offense while Toren Young has rushed for 403 yards on 82 carries.
College Football Betting Trends
Penn State
Penn State is 12-4-2 against the spread in their last 18 home games and 15-6-1 ATS in their last 22 conference games.
Iowa
Iowa has covered the spread in four straight road games and in four of their last five conference games.
Prediction:
This game should be a grind. Iowa and Penn State are teams that pride themselves on being physical on defense and stopping the run. Penn State has shown it isn’t quite as dynamic as we thought when McSorley is forced to remain just a passer. Iowa should be able to do that today. The Hawkeyes aren’t a great offense, but their defense is good enough to give them a chance to win. I like Iowa with the points.
College Football Prediction: Iowa +6
Related: Iowa vs. Penn State Total Prediction