Iowa Football Predictions, Betting Tips & Team Preview 2023: WagerTalk Best Betting Guide

Iowa Football Predictions & Preview 2023:

Expert college football handicapper Ron Marmalefsky runs down the Hawkeyes chances for 2023 and provides expert tips for betting on Iowa football in 2023. Ron looks at areas to watch, favorability of schedule, offers a predicted record for Iowa football in 2023 and offers some handicapping tips for betting on the Hawkeyes this season.

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Iowa Football Preview 2023: Iowa Picks for Betting

Contrast?  After just being amazed while writing about Illinois, here comes Iowa.  I think I could write their yearly preview in my sleep.  Iowa is always good.  Someone usually beats then out for the Divisional title, but the Hawkeyes continue to be the measuring stick in relation to how rival teams are progressing. 

That’s my standard opening statement for this team.  In other well-known news, Iowa’s defense always comes to play.  As for their offense, it’s in 1923, not 2023.  Stubborn as always, let’s see what father and son Ferentz have up their sleeve for this year. 

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Iowa Football Predictions: AREAS TO WATCH

I’d say the offense, especially with the administration issuing a strange declaration that Brian Ferentz and his offense needs to average 25 points per game to keep his job. 

That could lead to some “interesting” late game decisions (stay tuned), but given the new clock running rules, the closer games may yield far fewer scoring opportunities.  7-12 games totaled 27 points a year ago, and only two games totaled over 41 points, one of which was when Ohio St beat them 54-10. 

Cade McNamara is the favorite to unseat 55% QB Spencer Petras.  That’s possibly good news if the scheme does not hold him back.  The run game was at 3.6 per carry a year ago, and less than that in Big Ten play.  That wasn’t news to me however, as I had them at 3.7.  This year I’m up to 4.05.  Nothing else stands out offensively, as they have enough talent, but lack the coaching. 

The defense is a completely different story.  Year in and year out veteran coordinator Phil Parker delivers great numbers.  The top two tacklers are gone, and some DB talent was lost but the teaching here is incredible and having six starters back is decent.  I can’t remember the last time Iowa had a negative turnover ratio (conservative on offense, aggressive vs. the pass).  No team is better in the long haul at creating interceptions.  As for the kicking game, it too is usually solid.  Every key person returns, and their PK was 16-18 a year ago.

Iowa 2023 Predictions, Iowa Schedule:

Ohio State and Michigan are off the schedule, replaced by Penn State and Michigan State.  Assuming revenge at Iowa Statet (have had plenty of success there), Iowa will be 3-0 before they head to Happy Valley.  Yes, we know what Iowa brings to the table each year, but what about Michigan State? 

I’m pre-checking several areas for that team prior to their 9/30 contest.  Does Wisconsin and their new staff win hosting Iowa, a team the old staff lost to last year? 

What’s nice is that a split of road games at Penn State/Wisconsin could yield 6-1 prior to a host of Minnesota.  This one’s interesting because the Gophers have the game circled on their schedule. 

Not only did Iowa win late last year, 13-10, but they have won eight in a row in the series.  Minnesota will be rested (bye) and focused.  That team has some gaps to fill, which are discussed in their preview.  Games 11-12 are home to Illinois and at Nebraska.  Both are winnable, but what’s this offense look like right now?

Iowa Football Bottom Line:

9-3?  In one sense, that sounds high, given the dinosaur offense, but there’s pretty good pacing to the schedule.  The window is open for one more title game appearance before USC and UCLA join, and before they no longer are on the “soft” side of the conference.  Weighted special team play may just be the deciding factor, and it is in their favor.

Iowa Football HANDICAPPING TIP:

I’ve got plenty of reliable situations to choose from thanks to coaching stability.  They are all listed on Iowa’s personal team sheet.  It’s enabled me to achieve a stout 65-28 spread record on Iowa over the past 18 seasons (counting bowl games). 

I’ve been proud of my nearly 50-50 balanced two-way action with this team.  Given the ultimatum to their offense, do readers agree with how they might run up the score at times? 

Note that they are 28-17 ATS as a home favorite of more than 14 points.  They are historically a good road spread team as well.  It looks like I may back them more than fade them, but I’ll be checking the offense early and often, and looking for some home game fade spots?

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