Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 10/26/2024 3:30 PM EST

We have your Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Northwestern Wildcats hit the road to face the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Northwestern Wildcats +450 (bet365) / Iowa Hawkeyes -600 (DraftKings)
Best Spread Odds: -14.0 - Northwestern Wildcats -114 (BetRivers) / Iowa Hawkeyes -109 (BetRivers)
Best Total Odds: 37.5 - Under -112 (BetRivers) / Over -109 (BetRivers)

Game Info

Date: 10/26/2024
Time: 3:30 PM EST
Location: Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA)
TV: BTN

Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to host the Northwestern Wildcats in a pivotal Big Ten matchup at Kinnick Stadium. Both teams are looking to rebound from recent losses, with Iowa coming off a disappointing 32-20 defeat at the hands of Michigan State, while Northwestern fell 23-3 to Wisconsin. The Hawkeyes, now 4-3 overall and 2-2 in conference play, have seen their offensive struggles continue, particularly in the first half of games. Graduate quarterback Cade McNamara has been under scrutiny, with head coach Kirk Ferentz emphasizing the need for more accurate passing. McNamara's performance against Michigan State was lackluster, completing just 11 of 23 passes for 150 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Despite these challenges, Iowa's ground game remains a bright spot, led by junior running back Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, who rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown against the Spartans, is a key offensive weapon, leading the conference in rushing yards and touchdowns. His explosive 75-yard touchdown run last week highlighted his ability to change the game's momentum, a factor Northwestern's defense must be wary of.

On the other side, Northwestern, with a 3-4 record and 1-3 in the Big Ten, has its own offensive woes. The Wildcats managed only 209 total yards against Wisconsin, with quarterback Jack Lausch struggling to find rhythm, completing just 9 of 24 passes for 82 yards. Northwestern's offense will need to find balance and improve its rushing attack to challenge Iowa's defense, which has shown vulnerability in recent weeks, particularly in tackling and maintaining leverage.

Defensively, Iowa has been uncharacteristically porous, allowing 468 yards to Michigan State, including 212 on the ground. This defensive lapse has been attributed to missed tackles and loss of leverage, issues that the Hawkeyes have been addressing in practice. Meanwhile, Northwestern's defense, ranked 16th nationally against the run, will be tested by Johnson's prowess.

As both teams aim to get back on track, this matchup promises to be a battle of adjustments and execution. Iowa's home advantage and the pressure on McNamara to perform could play pivotal roles in determining the outcome of this contest.

Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes Pick: Northwestern Wildcats Against the Spread

In this intriguing Big Ten matchup, the Northwestern Wildcats are positioned as significant underdogs against the Iowa Hawkeyes, with a spread of +14.0. Despite their recent struggles, Northwestern presents a compelling case to cover this spread. The Wildcats' defense, ranked 16th nationally against the run, will be a critical factor in containing Iowa's standout running back, Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, who leads the conference in rushing yards and touchdowns, is undoubtedly a formidable opponent, but Northwestern's defensive prowess against the run could limit his impact.

Moreover, Iowa's offensive inconsistencies, particularly in the passing game, provide an opportunity for Northwestern to exploit. Quarterback Cade McNamara has been underwhelming, with head coach Kirk Ferentz calling for more accurate passing. McNamara's struggles were evident in the loss to Michigan State, where he completed just 11 of 23 passes for 150 yards. This lack of efficiency in the air could hinder Iowa's ability to build a substantial lead, allowing Northwestern to stay within striking distance.

On the offensive side, while Northwestern has faced its own challenges, the Wildcats have shown resilience. Quarterback Jack Lausch, despite a tough outing against Wisconsin, has the potential to improve and find a rhythm against an Iowa defense that has been uncharacteristically vulnerable. The Hawkeyes' defense, which allowed 468 yards to Michigan State, has been plagued by missed tackles and loss of leverage, issues that Northwestern can capitalize on if they execute effectively.

Given these dynamics, Northwestern's ability to keep the game competitive, coupled with Iowa's offensive uncertainties, makes the Wildcats a strong pick to cover the spread. The pressure on Iowa to perform at home, combined with Northwestern's defensive capabilities, suggests a closer contest than the odds might indicate.

Northwestern Wildcats at Iowa Hawkeyes Top Player Prop Picks

Kaleb Johnson Over 98.5 Rushing Yards - Rushing Yards Prop -110 (BetRivers)

Kaleb Johnson has been a standout performer for the Iowa Hawkeyes, leading the conference in rushing yards and touchdowns. His explosive ability was on full display against Michigan State, where he rushed for 98 yards, including a remarkable 75-yard touchdown run. Despite Northwestern's defense being ranked 16th nationally against the run, Johnson's form and Iowa's reliance on their ground game make him a strong candidate to surpass the 98.5 rushing yards mark. The Wildcats' recent struggles in tackling, as highlighted in their loss to Wisconsin, further bolster the case for Johnson to have a significant impact on the ground.

Cade McNamara Under 150.5 Passing Yards - Passing Yards Prop -115 (DraftKings)

Cade McNamara's performance has been under scrutiny, with Iowa's head coach Kirk Ferentz emphasizing the need for more accurate passing. McNamara's struggles were evident in the game against Michigan State, where he completed just 11 of 23 passes for 150 yards. Given his inconsistency and Iowa's offensive focus on the run game, it is plausible that McNamara will fall short of the 150.5 passing yards mark. Northwestern's defense, while vulnerable against the run, has the potential to limit McNamara's effectiveness through the air, especially if they can capitalize on Iowa's passing inefficiencies.

Jack Lausch Over 82.5 Passing Yards - Passing Yards Prop -105 (BetRivers)

Jack Lausch had a challenging outing against Wisconsin, completing only 9 of 24 passes for 82 yards. However, facing an Iowa defense that has shown vulnerability, particularly in tackling and maintaining leverage, presents an opportunity for Lausch to exceed expectations. Iowa's defense allowed 468 yards to Michigan State, indicating potential weaknesses that Lausch can exploit. With Northwestern needing to find balance and improve its offensive output, Lausch is likely to be more involved in the passing game, making the over on 82.5 passing yards a compelling pick.