At first glance this line seems too high. But if you look deeper at the level of competition these two teams have played and how Minnesota has won you begin to realize that Iowa, with double revenge and playing at home, is the way to go.

Minnesota is improved. I like the job Jerry Kill is doing with the Gophers. He's a big upgrade on Tim Brewster. But the Gophers aren't as good as their 4-0 record shows. They were lucky to beat UNLV in overtime, then scored victories against New Hampshire and Western Michigan before getting past Syracuse, 17-10, last week. The Gophers were lucky to get past Syracuse as the Orangemen turned the ball over four times and had some questionable play-calling.

This is Minnesota's first road game since Week 1. The combined record of Minnesota's beaten opponents is 6-10. Their opponents are not impressive.

Iowa is just 2-2, but its foes have a combined record of 9-5. The Hawkeyes' offense has gotten better since Mike Weisman became the main ball-carrier. He's rushed for 330 yards and scored six touchdowns during the past two games. Iowa quarterback James Vandenberg has regressed this season, but I expect him to pick up his play. I like his arm better than either of Minnesota's quarterbacks.

Iowa hasn't lost to Minnesota at Kinnick Stadium since 1999 winning the past five times at home. The Hawkeyes also have covered six of the past eight times they've hosted the Gophers.