The Minnesota Golden Gophers and Iowa Hawkeyes meet Saturday in week 8 college football action at Kinnick Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Betting Preview
The Minnesota Golden Gophers look for their first road win to get above a .500 record. Minnesota has lost 4 of its last 6 road games. Athan Kaliakmanis is completing 55.9 percent of his passes for 797 yards, 6 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Daniel Jackson and Corey Crooms Jr. have combined for 513 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, while Le’Meke Brockington has 5 receptions. The Minnesota Golden Gophers ground game is averaging 180.5 yards per contest, and Darius Taylor leads the way with 532 yards and 4 touchdowns. Defensively, Minnesota is allowing 26.7 points and 373.2 yards per game. Maverick Baranowski leads the Minnesota Golden Gophers with 42 tackles, Danny Striggow has 3 sacks and Tyler Nubin has 3 interceptions.
Minnesota Golden Gophers Team Facts
- Minnesota has lost each of its last eight October games against AP-ranked teams.
- Minnesota has failed to cover the spread in seven of its last eight games against AP-ranked teams.
- Minnesota has won the first half in three of its last four games against conference opponents.
- Minnesota has won the first quarter in three of its last four road games against conference opponents.
- Each of Minnesota’s last four October games against AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes look to remain unbeaten at home to improve to 7-1 on the year. Iowa has won 8 of its last 11 home games. Cade McNamara is completing 51.1 percent of his passes for 505 yards, 4 touchdowns and 3 interceptions. Erick All and Luke Lachey have combined for 430 receiving yards and 3 touchdowns, while Nico Ragaini has 10 receptions. The Iowa Hawkeyes ground game is averaging 131.1 yards per contest, and Leshon Williams leads the way with 459 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Iowa is allowing 14.9 points and 324.4 yards per game. Jay Higgins leads the Iowa Hawkeyes with 87 tackles, Joe Evans has 2.5 sacks and Sebastian Castro has 3 interceptions.
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts
- Iowa has won each of its last eight games against Minnesota.
- Iowa has covered the spread in each of its last five games against Minnesota.
- Iowa has won the first half in four of its last five home games against conference opponents.
- Six of Iowa’s last seven October home games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Iowa rank T16th among FBS teams for points allowed per game this season (16.3).
Randy’s Pick
Minnesota hasn’t looked good against any respectable team it’s played this season, and it’s 121st in total offense and 113th in scoring offense. That’s not ideal on the road against an Iowa team that’s 26th in total defense and 10th in scoring defense. Iowa just held Wisconsin to 6 points on the road and is allowing an average of 12 points in its last 3 games. I just don’t see how Minnesota is going to have offensive success in this game. The line feels soft. Give me the Hawkeyes by a touchdown.
