Iowa vs Minnesota (Week 4): Odds, Predictions & How to Watch

One of the oldest and fiercest rivalries in the Big Ten, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Minnesota Golden Gophers will meet once again in Week 4 of the college football season. Both teams are fighting to maintain dominance in the Big Ten West and will face off for the iconic Floyd of Rosedale trophy. The game is expected to be a classic Big Ten defensive slugfest, and it could be a pivotal game for both programs.

Here’s everything you need to know, including how to watch, betting odds, predictions, and a breakdown of the key matchups.

TV Channel & Kickoff Time

The game between Iowa and Minnesota is scheduled for a primetime slot, kicking off at 7:30 PM Eastern Time. Fans can catch all the action live on NBC.

• Kickoff Time: 7:30 PM ET
• TV Channel: NBC

Betting Odds

According to current odds from BetUS, Iowa enters as a 3-point road favorite, despite playing in a hostile environment in Minneapolis. The moneyline for the Golden Gophers sits at +120, offering value for those who believe Minnesota will upset their rivals. The total for the game is set at a very low 35.5 points, reflecting the expectation that this game will be a defensive battle.

• Spread: Iowa -3
• Moneyline: Iowa -140, Minnesota +120
• Total (Over/Under): 35.5 points

What is the Betting Spread?

The betting spread is the number of points oddsmakers believe one team will win by. In this matchup, Iowa is favored by 3 points. To cover the spread, Iowa must win by 4 points or more. If Minnesota loses by 2 points or fewer, or wins outright, they cover the spread.

What is the Total?

The total, also known as the over/under, is the predicted combined score for both teams. For this game, the total is set at 35.5 points. Bettors can wager on whether they think the combined score will be over or under that total. Given the defensive prowess of both teams, the low total reflects an anticipated low-scoring affair, much like last year’s 12-10 game.

What is the Moneyline?

The moneyline is a straightforward bet on which team will win the game outright. Iowa’s moneyline is -140, meaning you’d need to bet $140 to win $100 if Iowa wins. Minnesota’s moneyline of +120 means a $100 bet would return $120 if the Golden Gophers pull off the upset.

Implied Score Based on Betting Odds

Using the spread and total, the implied final score for this game is approximately Iowa 19, Minnesota 16. This score suggests a close, low-scoring affair, which aligns with the way both teams have performed thus far.

Injury Report

Neither team has been hit too hard by injuries so far this season, but both will be without key contributors on both sides of the ball.

For Iowa, their defense is their calling card, but they’ve struggled at times with inconsistency on offense. They are still without star tight end Luke Lachey, whose absence impacts their ability to move the chains consistently. Running back Kaleb Johnson is also questionable for this game, which would put more pressure on the passing game.

Minnesota, meanwhile, has dealt with some injury issues of their own, especially on the defensive side. Their front seven will need to be at full strength to keep Iowa’s run-heavy offense in check.

In-Depth Game Analysis

This game will be won or lost in the trenches. Both teams pride themselves on strong defensive play and conservative offensive strategies, so expect a gritty, low-scoring battle.

Iowa’s Offense vs. Minnesota’s Defense

Iowa’s offense has been more efficient this year compared to last, but that isn’t saying much given last season’s historic struggles. The Hawkeyes are 71st in the country in yards per play, a marked improvement from their 129th ranking last year. Quarterback Cade McNamara has provided some stability at the position, and Iowa has managed to hit on more explosive plays this year, already recording nine plays of 30 yards or more.

That said, Minnesota’s defense is formidable. They rank sixth in the nation in yards per play allowed and are known for slowing the pace of the game, limiting their opponents’ offensive opportunities. However, it’s important to note that Minnesota’s defensive stats are somewhat skewed by playing a weak schedule, including an FCS team and Nevada.

Iowa’s offensive line must perform well against Minnesota’s front seven if they hope to establish the run game. If they can’t run effectively, McNamara will need to make some big throws to take advantage of Minnesota’s suspect secondary.

Minnesota’s Offense vs. Iowa’s Defense

Minnesota’s offense is all about controlling the clock. The Golden Gophers rank 130th in the country in tempo, meaning they are one of the slowest teams in college football. They rely heavily on the run, and their passing game has struggled to find consistency.

Iowa’s defense, though not as dominant as last year, is still the team’s strongest unit. They rank 45th in yards per play allowed and have been excellent at preventing big plays. Iowa’s defense thrives on forcing opponents into third-and-long situations, where they can apply pressure and force mistakes.

If Minnesota cannot establish the run early, it will put immense pressure on their quarterback to make plays against a stout Iowa secondary. This could lead to turnovers, something the Hawkeyes have excelled at forcing in recent seasons.

Predictions & Picks

This game is likely to be a defensive slugfest. Both teams have struggled on offense but have strong defenses, making it difficult to see a high-scoring affair. Iowa’s historical success as a road favorite and their ability to force turnovers make them the safer pick in this matchup.

Prediction:
Iowa 16, Minnesota 10. Iowa’s defense should be able to stifle Minnesota’s sluggish offense, and Cade McNamara will do just enough to lead the Hawkeyes to a road victory.

Pick:
Iowa -3. The Hawkeyes have been excellent as a road favorite, and Minnesota’s offense may struggle to score more than one touchdown in this game. The under 35.5 points is also an enticing play, given the nature of both teams’ offenses and defenses.

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