No. 20 Iowa (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) hits the road to the new Ryan Field to meet No. 23 Northwestern (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) in a key November showdown.
The Hawkeyes still have their sights set on a potential first-ever College Football Playoff berth. Iowa can't afford anymore stumbles if that's going to be the case.
The Hawkeyes blanked Wisconsin for a second straight season last week, 30-0. Hank Brown completed 20 of 24 passes for 222 yards with touchdown passes to receiver Tony Diaz and tight end DJ Vonnahme.
As kickoff nears, here's a look at the latest betting odds. Plus, a best bet and prediction for the game.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Northwestern betting odds, best bet, prediction
Odds via BetMGM
- Odds: Iowa -3 (-110) | Northwestern +3 (-110)
- Over/under: 42.5
- Money line: Iowa -155 | Northwestern +130
Northwestern is expected to be without starting quarterback Aidan Chiles. The Wildcats do have an experienced backup in Nicco Marchiol,
who posted a 5-2 record as a starter at West Virginia across the 2023-25 seasons. Marchiol has completed 62% of his passes for 1,462 yards and 10 touchdowns against seven interceptions in his college career. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound quarterback has attempted just one pass this season, though.
Meanwhile, Iowa enters with the nation's No. 4 scoring defense (12.5 points per game) and No. 11 total defense (275.5 yards per game).
Iowa takes advantage of a backup quarterback and leans on Brown's rapport with Tony Diaz and DJ Vonnahme offensively en route to a key road win.
Take Iowa, give the points.
Prediction: Iowa 27, Northwestern 17
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa Hawkeyes football vs Northwestern betting odds, best bet, prediction
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