Both the Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2, 4-1 Big Ten) and the Oregon Ducks (7-1, 5-1 Big Ten) are coming off bye weeks, looking to play their best football to start the month of November.
Iowa entered the bye week on a three-game winning streak, including two rivalry game victories over Wisconsin and Minnesota.
Oregon entered the bye week after a 21-7 victory over Wisconsin. The Ducks overcame a lackluster performance by quarterback Dante Moore (86 passing yards, -13 rushing yards) to hold off the Badgers at home.
The Ducks travel to Iowa City this weekend for a top 20 clash at Kinnick Stadium with College Football Playoff implications on the line.
If the Hawkeyes can channel some of the magic the Indiana Hoosiers' offense created against Oregon, the Hawkeyes have a good chance to knock off the Ducks.
The Ducks are ready to prove doubters wrong and pick up their first signature win of the season.
Before the Hawkeyes and Ducks take the field for a pivotal Big Ten Conference matchup, here are the final odds for the game and a few predictions.
Final odds for No. 20 Iowa versus No. 9 Oregon
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +6.5 (-110)
- Oregon: -6.5 (-110)
Moneyline
- Iowa: +198
- Oregon: -240
Total
- Over: 42.5 (-110)
- Under: 42.5 (-110)
Final predictions
This is the biggest game on the schedule for both programs as a spot in the CFP is on the line.
Ohio State and Indiana have the inside track to the Big Ten title game, but the winner of this game could get into the CFP as an at-large team.
Iowa and Oregon both excel at running the ball, and try to use the rushing attack to set up their offenses.
Iowa is averaging 185.3 rushing yards per game through 10 weeks (No. 39 overall), and Oregon is averaging 237.0 yards per game (No. 9).
The Hawkeyes' rush defense is ranked higher than the Ducks' (No. 10 versus No. 31 overall), and this game will be won in the trenches.
The game script aligns with what the Iowa offense wants to do, as the Ducks have the No. 1 overall passing defense; however, Iowa prefers to run the ball more anyway.
If the Hawkeyes can establish the run early, it will soften up the secondary for the passing game and give Iowa a few chances to hit on some passing attempts.
If Iowa can also force Dante Moore to air it out more than he wants to, Iowa has a good chance to slow down the Ducks' high-powered offense.
The Hawkeyes will move the ball methodically down the field on the ground, and they will muck the game up on defense.
Even though the line is set at 6.5 points, it will be closer than that, with Iowa coming out on top.
Final score: Iowa 20, Oregon 17