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College Football Preview: First Big Test for Iowa

  • Al Dannity's Author profile. Al Dannity

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A trip to Arizona presents the Iowa Hawkeyes with their first big test of the season, with their credentials as a BCS title contender under the national spotlight.

These Hawkeyes can play offense
For some reason ESPN Gameday has chosen to set up camp at a game between an unranked Clemson and an untested Auburn. Perhaps Lee Corso really wants to put on a Tiger head because College Football betting fans know the real game of the week takes place in Tucson. The hometown Wildcats will look to record a statement win for the Pac-10 and wreck Iowa’s BCS title hopes in the process.

The #9 Hawkeyes look far more productive on offense this season thanks to the work of Adam Robinson. The running back amassed 265 yards on the ground in the opening two games of the season, complementing Ricky Stanzi’s 433 passing yards. While the offense has cranked it up a notch, the defense keeps ticking along. Eastern Illinois could only manage 157 yards of total offense while much of Iowa State’s 275 yards came in garbage time. Now comes the first big challenge of 2010, on the road to the #24 Wildcats.

Offensively the Wildcats are who we thought they were, with Nick Foles throwing 49 of 59 for 574 yards in Arizona’s first two games. The quarterback won’t be facing Citadel or Toldeo this Saturday and I don’t expect him to maintain that level of efficiency against an elite opponent. Defensively it’s tough to read the Wildcats because neither of the Wildcats’ opponents to date rate as offensive tests. I like Iowa to make Arizona pay for its lack of early season challenges. Bet on the Hawkeyes to win as -2.0 favorites with Sports Interaction.

Wisconsin will rumble over Sun Devils
Arizona State travels to Madison for an ill-advised non-conference game with the Badgers. The Sun Devils made hard work of FCS opponent Northern Arizona at home on Saturday and I don’t like their chances on the road against the #11 Badgers.

Wisconsin’s John Clay rumbled for his eighth straight 100 yard rushing day against San Jose State on Saturday. I expect the bulldozing tailback to make it nine in a row this weekend when the Sun Devils come to town. The chief concern for Wisconsin’s offense ahead of this game is improving Scott Tolzien’s ball security. The quarterback had three fumbles against the Spartans in an otherwise efficient performance. I like Tolzien to bounce back against ASU. Bet on Wisconsin as a -15.5 favorite to win.