Sports Betting Picks

Betting Preview: Purdue Boilermakers vs Iowa Hawkeyes

The Purdue Boilermakers and the Iowa Hawkeyes are set to do battle on Saturday. Iowa is coming off of a big top-five win over Penn State, and Purdue is coming off of a bye week. The Hawkeyes sit at 6-0 so far this year and are in control in the Big Ten West.

Iowa is also ranked as the #2 team in the country. Purdue is 3-2 this year with a tough loss in their last game to Minnesota. Purdue’s defense has been really solid this year, while their offense has really struggled to score the ball. Look for this one to be a fantastic matchup.

Purdue Seems to Have Iowa’s Number

Purdue has won three of the last four games against the Hawkeyes. The game that Iowa won was even a lot closer than it should have been.

Look for this game to be close once again, as both teams have struggled offensively this year at times. Iowa cannot think this game is going to be an easy one because they have been spoiled by Purdue in the past. Purdue is coming off of a bye week which will greatly help them after Iowa’s game with Penn State last week.

Iowa’s Defense Will Need to Stop David Bell

Purdue wide receiver David Bell might not just be the best wideout in the Big Ten, but he might be one of the top pass catchers in college football. Iowa knows Bell really well as they have really struggled to stop him over the past few years. Over the past two seasons, Bell has caught 26 passes for 318 yards and four touchdowns against Iowa. 

Unfortunately for Iowa, Riley Moss cannot get the assignment this week on the defensive side of the ball. Moss is one of the best corners in college football, and he was able to slow Bell down back in 2019 during the second half. However, Moss is out this week with an injury, so Iowa will have to rely on others to stop Bell.

Turnovers Will be Key

The winner of this game will be the team that wins the turnover battle. Iowa has been great at forcing turnovers this year, with 20 forced this season in six games. That has given Iowa a +15 turnover differential. Purdue’s turnover differential on the season sits at -5.

Their defense has not forced a turnover in the past three games. Purdue will have to take care of the ball if they want to be in this game late. Iowa has all the momentum here turnover-wise, and if they play their game, they should be able to easily take this game.

How to Bet this Game

Iowa is favored by 11.5 points, and the over/under is set at 43 points. I look for Purdue to cover and the total points to hit the under. Both of these defenses are good, and I think, will slow the offense down. Purdue will make some plays late to keep it close, but Iowa will put it out in the end.

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