Iowa @ Indiana -2
Iowa travels to Bloomington, Indiana this weekend to face an Indiana team riding some unexpected momentum. The Hoosiers are coming off a 31-17 win at Illinois and although their record is less than stellar, four of their five losses are by a combined 10 points. This is especially impressive considering IU lost their starting quarterback in week 2.
Iowa on the other hand is coming off back to back blowout losses against Penn State and at Northwestern. Once seen as probable contenders for the Big Ten Legends division crown, Iowa has fallen apart following their win at Michigan State. The natives are getting a little restless in Iowa City as the Hawkeyes are rounding out yet another lackluster season.
It is widely known that the Big Ten is a garbage league this year with everyone outside of Ohio State (and to an extent Penn State) fairly even. The difference between the third best team and the last place team is pretty slim. Having said that, when looking at a late season match up between two bad teams, you have to look what is motivating both teams. Both Iowa and Indiana are playing out the string with hopes of going to a low-level bowl game. For the Hawkeyes, this is a big disappointment; for the Hoosiers the chance to play in any bowl is a program changing event.
What will happen: The Hoosiers’ main weakness this year has been stopping teams with potent running games. Iowa relies mainly on RB Mark Weisman (who has been plagued by injury) but outside of Weisman, they have had little consistency anywhere else on offense. As long as IU can avoid giving up long sustained drives, the Hoosiers fast-paced, balanced offense will give the Hawkeyes fits. The Hoosiers have historically played Iowa tough in Bloomington, coming out on the short end the last two contests but this year they have the fire power on offense and the motivation to get the win.
Prediction: Indiana 34 Iowa 28
The Play: Indiana -2
YTD Record: 7-8
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