Iowa Hawkeyes(2-1) vs. Wisconsin Badgers (3-0) -8, O/U No line, 8:00 p.m. Eastern Saturday, September 22, 2007 on ABC.
by Jerald of Predictem.com
The Iowa Hawkeyes come into this game off an embarrassing loss to in-state rival Iowa State. The Wisconsin Badgers come in to this game undefeated and looking to start a run that will take them to a Big 10 Championship.
Iowa is led by Sophomore QB Jake Christenson who has completed 56% of his passes this season for 529 yards, 5 touchdowns and 1 interception. The Hawkeyes have a running back committee with Albert Young (229 yards, 1 touchdown) and Damian Sims (217 yards, 1 touchdown).
Wisconsin is led by Senior QB Tyler Donovan who has completed 61.8% of his passes for 619 yards, 6 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. RB P.J. Hill has been the workhorse for the Badgers with 76 carries for 399 yards and 6 touchdowns.
Iowa was has defeated Wisconsin 3 of the last 4 years but the Badgers did win last year in Iowa 24-21.
Iowa ranks 87th in total offense with an average of 161.0 yards rushing (3.99 yards per rush) and 180.3 yards passing per game. They rank 89th in scoring offense averaging 21.3 points per game. The Badgers offense ranks 38th in total offense averaging 216.0 yards rushing (4.87 yards per carry) and 216.0 yards passing. Wisconsin ranks 30th in scoring offense averaging 35.7 points per game.
The Hawkeye defense ranks 5th in total defense giving up an average of 62.7 yards rushing (2.09 yards per carry) and 150.0 yards passing per game. They rank 3rd in scoring defense giving up an average of 6.0 points per game. Wisconsin ranks 42nd in total defense giving up 109.3 yards rushing (3.45 yards per carry) and 226.0 yards passing. They rank 53rd in scoring defense giving up 21.7 points per game.
The Sagarin PREDICTOR ratings at USAToday.com rank the Hawkeyes at 54th at 73.15. Wisconsin ranks 23rd at 81.05.
Wisconsin opened up as a 7.5 point favorite at most college football sportsbooks. The line has went up to Wisconsin -8. At the time of this writing, the public was backing the Wisconsin 91%-9%.
The Predictem Pick:
We look for a bounce back from last weeks poor performance for the Hawkeyes. We see the Badgers still winning but the Hawkeyes to keep it close with their defense! Take the points!
Wisconsin 20 Iowa 17
