Iowa quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski was superb at Washington, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions while running back Kamari Moulton tore through the Huskies for 208 yards. Coach Kirk Ferentz has given him another start. Minnesota returns from its bye needing to defend an offense that just won through both its passer and its most dangerous runner. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s college football game between the Minnesota Golden Gophers and the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
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Minnesota vs. Iowa prediction, preview
Moulton was magnificent in Seattle, bursting 56 yards for a touchdown during his 26-carry afternoon. Minnesota most recently let Purdue rush for 305 yards on 47 attempts, including touchdown marches of 98 and 92 yards. Ferentz should make the Gophers demonstrate that they can tackle Moulton repeatedly. If Iowa’s blockers reach defenders as successfully as Purdue’s did, Hecklinski will spend far less time trying to salvage third-and-long.
Minnesota has better football in them than that collapse. The Gophers held Washington to 40 rushing yards and Michigan to 79. Moulton, meanwhile, managed only 44 yards against Michigan and 27 against Ohio State. Iowa can still get stranded when a capable front closes the early running lanes. Minnesota has allowed just 6.4 yards per pass attempt this season, so Hecklinski’s second start comes with a genuine test of his passing.
He has useful targets for it. Hawkeyes receiver Reece Vander Zee caught three passes for 69 yards and a touchdown at Washington, while tight end DJ Vonnahme caught two scoring passes. Hecklinski reached both downfield as Iowa finished touchdown drives covering 83 and 75 yards. Ferentz can ask him to return to those receivers when Minnesota stops Moulton. The Gophers must cover those receivers as well as tackle Moulton.
Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey has been working with a miserable rushing cushion. Running back Darius Taylor gained 36 yards at Washington, 32 against Michigan and 15 at Purdue. Fellow back TJ Thomas has had better moments, but Minnesota finished its last game with only 27 rushing yards. Left guard Jaden Ball could return after two missed games; replacement guard Bennett Warren started both. Iowa has allowed 2.5 yards per carry through six games. Lindsey should find himself throwing on plenty of downs when the Hawkeyes expect it.
Iowa vs. Minnesota pick, best bet
Gophers receiver Javon Tracy caught five passes for 75 yards at Purdue, and wideout Jalen Smith added 89, including a 42-yard touchdown. Lindsey can hurt Iowa through them: Washington threw for 320 yards against the Hawkeyes. Iowa also repeatedly sacked the Huskies, though. Minnesota’s struggling handoffs leave Lindsey vulnerable to more of that pursuit.
Both teams return rested for the Floyd of Rosedale game at Huntington Bank Stadium, with showers possible during Minnesota’s Homecoming. Lindsey should find enough catches to score. Moulton can attack a front Purdue repeatedly drove backward, and Hecklinski has just finished long drives through Vander Zee and Vonnahme. I’ll lay seven.
Best bet: Iowa -7 (-108).
Projected score: Iowa 27, Minnesota 17.
Best Bet: Iowa -7 (-110) at Minnesota
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