Iowa vs Wisconsin Odds - Iowa "D" will keep the Hawkeyes perfect
Online sports betting players never even considered Iowa to win the Big Ten heading into this season, but the Hawkeyes are one of two conference unbeatens as they prepare for their trip to Wisconsin this weekend. The Badgers are the favored team at home, but a pesky defense will force Wisconsin to slip up along the way.
Iowa vs Wisconsin Odds: Wisconsin -2.5
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Iowa vs Wisconsin odds maker breakdown: What’s On The Line
The No.11 Hawkeyes (6-0, 2-0) have won three of their six games by three points or less, including last week’s 30-28 win over Michigan. This is the first time that the Hawkeyes have started the season at 6-0 since 1985. The Badgers (5-1, 2-1) finally had their perfect season snapped with a 31-13 loss at Ohio State, and they’d love to avenge a 38-16 beating they took from the Hawkeyes at Iowa last year. Betting Edge: Iowa
Iowa vs Wisconsin odds maker breakdown: Offense
Pivot Ricky Stanzi doesn’t have the biggest numbers, but he’s a great game-manager and he always seems to make plays at the right time. He still turns the ball over a lot, but at least he’s not afraid to make a mistake, and he’s not hesitant in the pocket. The Hawkeyes may want to consider handing off to Adam Robinson more often: the back is averaging 4.9 yards per carry. Wisconsin’s ground game is anchored by John Clay, who is 11th in the nation in rushing. But Scott Tolzien needs to bounce back from a subpar performance at Ohio State as he was picked off twice, and both were returned for touchdowns. Betting Edge: Iowa
Iowa vs Wisconsin odds maker breakdown: Defense
Iowa forced five turnovers out of the Wolverines, and they rank 20th in points allowed. Tyler Sash is developing into one of the nation’s best cover men, and linebacker Jeremiha Hunter had 12 tackles against the Wolverines. Iowa doesn’t have much of a pass rush, but because they’re fundamentally sound, it doesn’t hurt their offshore sportsbook chances that much. The Wisconsin defense did a great job against Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes, holding them to 184 yards and a turnover in what may have been their best showing of the season. O’Brien Schofield is as good a pass-rusher as anyone in the country, but the secondary is a bit suspect. Betting Edge: Iowa
Iowa vs Wisconsin odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Receiver Paul Chaney (knee) left Saturday’s game, but it didn’t look serious. However, he’s not that big a part of the offense. Wisconsin is healthy for the most part, although I’m sure their ego is bruised from the Ohio State loss, especially up front where they allowed six sacks. Betting Edge: Draw
Iowa vs Wisconsin betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Hawkeyes have won five of their last seven against the Badgers, who have won seven straight at Camp Randall Stadium. This won’t be a fancy game; it’ll be physical and won in the trenches. This is what will hurt the Badgers, whose offensive line was hammered against the Buckeyes. The Iowa defense is fast and aggressive, and they’ll force you to make mistakes, which Ohio State showed was very possible against the Badgers. Look for Iowa to continue their surprise start as a road underdog. TONY’S PICK: Iowa +2.5
For all of your sports betting analysis of this week’s biggest games, check out Tony in the Betting Edge at betonline.com. For more on the Iowa vs Wisconsin matchup, check out our stats section. Tony Bryant is one of betonline.com's college football experts.
