The Iowa Hawkeyes begin their college football season with a home game today against the Northern Iowa Panthers. The game is scheduled for a noon start time and it will be televised live on the Big Ten Network. Currently the odds for the game have the Hawkeyes favored to win this one.
Iowa has a very favorable schedule this season and could be in for a big 2014. But first, they'll have to take on a perennial stingy Northern Iowa team that has no problems playing against FBC opponents. Last year the Panthers knocked off Iowa State, on the road, in their opening game of the season. If the Panthers can stand their ground and stick to their gameplan, they're going to hang around in this one.
The Hawkeyes will entrust Jake Ruddock to his second year as the quarterback. He had some OK numbers last season, but will want to improve upon his just over 2,300 yards through the air. Iowa isn't a team that loves to air out the football, but having a lot of balance moving forward can only make them better.
Iowa holds the advantage in this one when it comes to all-time matchups, 15-1. The Hawkeyes will want to play some solid defense in this one as Northern Iowa runs an effective offense that is efficient as well. Last year Sawyer Kollmorgen completed nearly 63 percent of his passes as the Panther QB.
Mark Weisman will get a lot of carries in this one for the Hawkeyes. He's a bruising back that can really help move the football for Iowa in this one. He just missed 1,000 yards last season but did start the season strong.
In this one, we'll take the bigger team that has a better defense. Iowa is favored by better than two touchdowns for a reason and look for them to cruise in the fourth quarter.
Free Pick: Iowa 31, Northern Iowa 14
Handicapping Tips: NCAA Week 1 Betting
Ken Thomson and Bryan Leonard From Pregame.com take a look at some handicapping tips for betting week 1 of the NCAA football season.
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