Kickoff is just around the corner for Iowa's second rivalry game in as many weeks before they hit the road to Ann Arbor.
The Hawkeyes enter this game after an emotional roller coaster against Iowa State for the Cy-Hawk Trophy. Iowa narrowly escaped an unranked Iowa State squad with Cade Buhr's last-second field goal that ultimately sealed the win and brought the Cy-Hawk Trophy back home where it belongs. UNI is also coming off an in-state rivalry game against Drake, where they pummeled the Bulldogs 56-14 in head coach Todd Stepsis' first game against his former squad.
After a 1-1 start, the Panthers face a massive uphill battle to knock off the No. 18 Iowa Hawkeyes in their home on Saturday afternoon.
Final spread, moneyline, and total for No. 18 Iowa vs. Northern Iowa
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +38.5 (-120)
- Northern Iowa: -38.5 (-102)
Moneyline
- Iowa: N/A
- Northern Iowa: +8,000
Total
- Over: 48.5 (-106)
- Under: 48.5 (-114)
Predictions
Iowa enters this game as heavy favorites for a reason, with multiple big factors working in its favor. The Hawkeyes are at home facing a rebuilding UNI squad with Stepsis in his second season in charge. The Panthers finished 3-9 last year with a tough schedule, and it doesn't look easier in Stepsis' second year. The Panthers have also done next to nothing on the ground, becoming extremely one-dimensional. If the Hawkeyes want to put this game out of reach early, they must pressure quarterback Jaxon Dailey and make the Panthers run the ball.
Dailey has aired it out through the first two games, racking up 529 passing yards on an efficient 71 percent completion percentage, but he has also already been sacked seven times this year. Iowa's defense will be one of, if not the best, defenses the Panthers will face all season, and if they have already allowed that much pressure, the Hawkeyes will have a field day. The Iowa defense has quietly tallied six sacks, and they will add to that number in this game. The Panthers will keep airing it out, so the Hawkeyes have to pressure him into quick and off-schedule throws.
The offensive line is a major weakness for UNI, which could be why they have almost completely abandoned the running game for a more air-raid offensive style. 10 players have gotten carries this season, and the offense has totaled 264 rushing yards through two games, averaging 3.4 yards per carry. If Iowa's defense can pressure Dailey, it's all over. The UNI defense has been solid over the first two games, but they haven't faced an FBS opponent. Iowa should have no problem carving up the UNI defense, regardless of who is under center, and despite having two running backs on the shelf, they shouldn't run into much resistance.
Hank Brown will pass for two touchdowns, and Xavier Williams will rush for 90 yards and a touchdown as Iowa easily moves to 3-0.
Final score: Iowa 38, UNI 0
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