Michigan @ Iowa Week 10 Expert Odds & Picks Preview

Michigan faces what is likely their biggest college football betting crossover test in Big Ten play in Week 10, when they head to the corn fields of Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes, who went unbeaten last season until they lost late to Michigan State in the conference title game. Michigan made a big improvement last year, particularly on offense, while Iowa relies on a pedestrian style to grind their way over the opposition.

How To Bet The Wolverines @ Hawkeyes NCAA Football Odds, TV & Game Info

When: Saturday, November 12, 2016, 8:00pm ETWhere: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IATV: ESPNRadio: Iowa and MichiganLive Stream: WatchESPNNCAA Odds: Michigan (-4)

Why should you bet on Michigan?

The Wolverines come in with a seasoned offensive line that might be the best in the Big Ten. That will open more holes for a running game that was hit-and-miss last year. They also need to choose a quarterback, though, or else they will have too many three-and-outs to do well. They also have to replace all three starting linebackers, but they have a solid defensive line — and a terrific secondary. So they have a good chance of putting the clamps on the Iowa attack. But can they score?

Why should you put your money on the Hawkeyes?

The Hawkeyes have an offense that runs, runs, and runs some more. They rely on winning the time of possession battle to keep opposing offenses off the field and to wear down the other side’s defense. C.J. Beathard returns at quarterback, but to win the big games, he will have to be able to complete some more big passes at key junctures — that was the difference between Iowa and Michigan State in the conference title game last year. The defense is solid at stopping the run and the pass, and they were a takeaway factory last year. They have lost a couple of solid linebackers, and the pass rush still has quick ends and a solid interior.

My Expert Pick and Final Score Prediction

I still think that Michigan is a year away from winning games like this one, especially given how many starters Iowa returns. I’m predicting a 27-20 Hawkeye win.