Iowa vs. Penn State: Odds, predictions, props and best bets

In a loaded college football slate, this matchup between Penn State and Iowa is flying under the radar but it is a top-25 matchup with a lot on the line for both teams. Here are our best bets and predictions for the game.

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Penn State looks to have one of their strongest teams in years, but this one will be the biggest test of the year for young Drew Allar. Meanwhile, Iowa will look to pull off the big upset to propel their season to new heights.

Penn State and Drew Allar are the better offense here which is proven by the spread that’s set at over two touchdowns. However, Kirk Ferentz and Iowa are always a tough matchup in Big 10 play. They always have elite special teams and are tough defensively. They make it difficult for teams to pull away and score a lot which is why the total is at just 40.5. This game will prove a lot for Penn State fans to see if Drew Allar can push through that and have a big game.

Iowa always comes with a good defensive game plan and they are a tough test for a quarterback with minimal experience in conference play. However, this Penn State offensive line is elite and has been phenomenal in protecting Drew Allar so far this season. I expect Allar to have success through the air and Penn State to move the ball more comfortably than anticipated.

This is the big question for Iowa. They will not be able to pull off this upset against Penn State by running up the middle and playing the field position game. They will need to take advantage of their transfer quarterback Cade McNamara who is capable of throwing the ball downfield. The Penn State defense is elite but I think Iowa will at least be able to piece together a couple of solid drives and they have been good at translating those drives into touchdowns this year.

Both offenses should have enough success to get over this low total. Drew Allar should be pumped up for his first Big 10 home game of the season and I expect the crowd to propel him to put up at least 28 points. That means you would just need 13 points out of Cade McNamara and the Iowa offense. This should be very doable for both sides with Iowa’s ability to convert good drives into touchdowns and Penn State’s ability to hit the big play.

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As we said earlier, there should be points available for Penn State. We expect them to put up a decent number and there is great value on this line as the oddsmakers expect this to be a low-scoring game. Drew Allar has proven that he can score against anyone and it should be no different against this Iowa defense.

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