With the 120th meeting between Iowa and Minnesota on the gridiron fast approaching, Iowa remains the projected favorite.
No. 15 Iowa is back on the road for its second straight game after a week-seven bye, and looks to start the second half strong with a win. These two programs know each other very well, and it won't be easy. Iowa has a few distinct advantages, but everything goes out the window in a rivalry game. Before kickoff, the odds have shifted slightly, but Iowa is still the road favorite to knock off Minnesota.
Final spread, moneyline, and total for No. 15 Iowa at Minnesota
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: -7.5 (-108)
- Minnesota: +7.5 (-112)
Moneyline
- Iowa: -310
- Minnesota: +245
Total
- Over: 40.5 (-112)
- Under: 40.5 (-108)
Iowa moved from a 6.5-point favorite to a 7.5-point favorite, suggesting oddsmakers still expect Iowa to win, but it will be close. Excluding a few blowouts, the battle for the Floyd of Rosedale is traditionally close, and it is projected to be the same this year. Both teams should be well-rested after a bye, but Minnesota's injury report is piling up. The Golden Gophers will be without multiple players, including key run-stopper Riley Sunram. While this game could be an Iowa blowout, a hard-fought, close game is more likely.
Final predictions
Iowa enters this game after crushing Washington in week six and enjoying a week seven bye. The Hawkeyes announced that Jeremy Hecklinski earned his second start of the season, and he will look to take advantage of the opportunity. Iowa's defense stifled Washington's offense, and the final 41-24 score doesn't reflect how dominating it was. Iowa had momentum heading into the bye, and a fully rested Iowa squad is bad news for the Golden Gophers. Minnesota entered the bye week on the opposite end of the spectrum after a disappointing loss to Purdue, and they want to put that fully in the rearview mirror.
Iowa has a distinct advantage in the run game and will look to exploit that early. Moulton is coming off a career day against Washington, and the bye week should have given him time to get fully healthy. If L.J. Phillips Jr. is also near full strength, the Hawkeyes will have a field day against the Minnesota front four. Purdue ran all over Minnesota, and Iowa will do the same. Iowa will get close to 300 rushing yards in this one, which will also open up the passing game.
Moulton rushes for over 150 yards and a touchdown, while Hecklinski also adds a rushing and passing touchdown in a big road win for the Hawkeyes.
Final score prediction: Iowa 28, Minnesota 12
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