Iowa vs. Pittsburgh Picks & Predictions

Written September 18, 2008 by Jason Lowry

This Saturday Iowa Hawkeyes will take their undefeated record away from home for the first time this season, as they travel to the Big East power Pittsburgh Panthers. The Panthers had high expectations coming into the season, but that was quieted in week 1, when they lost pretty bad to Bowling Green. People really weren’t sure about what to expect from the Hawkeyes this season, and they have really looked good starting the season 3-0. If they notch a win on the road this week, you have to start thinking this could be a top 25 team. As it stands right now it looks like the Panthers early loss is playing a role in this one, as the odds makers see the Hawkeyes as 1 point favorites on the road against the Panthers, with the over/under set at 41.5.

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When you look at the Hawkeyes offense had its question marks coming into the season, as they really weren’t sure where they were going to go in the running game. But Shonn Greene has put the worries to rest, as he has racked up 359 yards and 3 scores in the 3 Hawkeye wins this season. The Hawkeyes continue to use both Jake Christensen and Ricky Stanzi at quarterback, and its worked so far, so don’t expect much of a change this weekend. The Hawkeyes will run first and pass second, they just need their quarterbacks to keep from giving the other team the football.

The Hawkeyes defense has been stellar all season as they have allowed just 8 points combined so far. Not only does the defense shut down opposing teams, but they have been causing chaos when doing so, as they have totaled 7 interceptions and racked up 8 sacks as well. The Hawks defense did give up some yardage last week against its instate rival the Iowa State Cyclones, as they totaled 325 yards, but turnovers were the key. The Hawks also used a 81 yard punt return to seal the deal and put the Hawks up for good. The defense will get a good test this weekend, when they have to take on Pitt’s star running back Lesean McCoy. Bet Hawkeyes -1 at JustBet.com

Pittsburgh’s offense needs McCoy at his best, as he really gets things going for this team. McCoy ran for 93 yards and 3 scores in the teams lone win against Buffalo. Though McCoy produced with the 3 scores, the Panthers are really waiting for this guy to break out with a big time performance. Quarterback Bill Stull was on last week throwing for 241 yards on 22 of 33 attempts, but was unable to find the endzone. It will be interesting to see how the Panthers plan to attack a Hawkeyes defense that has been giving everyone trouble this season.

The Panthers defense has plenty of time to prepare for the Hawks this week, and they have been tough in both games playing well enough to win in both of them. They will have to slow down the Hawks running game and force the 2 Iowa quarterbacks to throw the football. The Panthers have only forced 2 turnovers this season on two fumbles, and they have to create more turnovers this season. Bet Panthers +1 at JustBet.com

Predicted Score: Hawkeyes 21 Panthers 20

Professional handicapper Jason Lowry has his picks ready to go, and he has the winner in this one no problem.

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