The Washington Huskies and Iowa Hawkeyes appear to be a defense-first matchup. However, my Washington vs. Iowa predictions expect both teams' offensive strengths can exploit their opponents' weaknesses.
Read on to see how they match up and why the Over is the right call in our college football picks for Saturday, October 12.
Washington vs Iowa prediction and best bet
My best bet
Over 42.5 (-110 at BetMGM)
Picks made at time of writing may not reflect live odds.
My analysis
It didn’t have all the glitz and glam of a title game, but the Washington Huskies exacted some revenge with a 27-17 win over the Michigan Wolverines last week.
Washington rode the strong play of QB Will Rogers, who threw for 271 yards and a TD, with scoring passes to both Denzel Boston and Giles Jackson. Jonah Coleman ran for 80 yards and a score as well.
Rogers is leading an offense that ranks 21st in total yards, while he is second in the nation in completion percentage at a 73.9% clip.
The Huskies are churning out just under 300 yards per game through the air, at a healthy 9.2 yards per attempt clip.
The Iowa Hawkeyes boast a Top 25 defense in total yards, but their real strength is in run defense, where they are 15th in rush yards per game at 90.2. However, they are susceptible to the pass, allowing 210.4 yards per game.
Iowa is coming off a 35-7 thumping at the hands of the third-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes.
They’ll look to get back to a ground-and-pound game that only produced 116 yards rushing last time out.
On the year, Iowa is 12th in the NCAA in rushing, churning out 223 yards per game, on a healthy 5.1 yards per tote. Kaleb Johnson is the go-to guy, already with 771 yards rushing on a 7.9-yard average with 10 touchdowns.
While the Huskies sit eighth in the nation in yards allowed, they’re most effective at shutting down the pass, surrendering just 125.5 yards through the air. Their weakness is clearly run D, allowing 130.5 ground yards per game.
Washington should be able to puncture the Hawkeyes defense, as they’re averaging 25.5 points per game.
Then again, Iowa can counter with their rushing attack. Michigan pumped out 174 yards on the ground with 4.7 yards per tote last game against Washington.
Meanwhile, Rutgers ran the Huskies up for 184 yards on 5.6 per carry earlier in the year, and Washington State beat Washington in large part to winning the ground game, with 136 yards.
Does it add up to a win? Not sure, but it should be just enough to cover the 42.5 scoring line
Washington vs Iowa same-game parlay (SGP)
Over 42.5
Kaleb Johnson anytime TD
Denzel Boston anytime TD
Boston has been Rogers’ TD guy, hauling in eight touchdowns on the season, including five in his last three contests. With Rogers’ accuracy and Boston’s big-play ability — he’s averaging better than 14.1 yards per grab this year — he should play a prominent role on Saturday.
Johnson is the engine of the Hawkeyes’ offense, and last week’s loss to the Buckeyes was the first time he’d failed to eclipse 100 yards rushing in a game this season.
That didn’t stop him from punching in a score, though, which is something he’s done in every game this year — scoring multiple TDs in all but one game.
He should find the end zone again against the Huskies.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Washington vs Iowa odds
Washington vs Iowa live odds
Washington vs Iowa opening odds
- Washington vs. Iowa spread: Iowa -2.5 (-115)
- Washington vs. Iowa moneyline: Washington +130, Iowa -155
- Washington vs. Iowa Over/Under: 39.5
Odds courtesy of BetMGM
Washington vs Iowa spread and Over/Under analysis
- Washington is 2-3 against the spread this season.
- Iowa is 2-2 ATS as a betting favorite this year.
- The Huskies have gone Under the total in four of their five games.
- The Hawkeyes have hit the Over in four of their five games.
Washington vs Iowa betting trend to know
Iowa's average points scored at home (32.3) is higher than its overall average (27.0). Find more college football betting trends for Washington vs Iowa.
Washington vs Iowa game info
| Location: | Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA |
| Date: | Saturday, 10-12, 2024 |
| Kickoff: | 12:00 p.m. ET |
| TV: | FOX |
Washington vs Iowa latest injuries
Washington vs Iowa weather
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