Iowa Hawkeyes heavy favorites vs. Northern Iowa: Big Ten picks and predictions

Iowa football fans have reason to smile this week. The Hawkeyes are 40.5-point favorites heading into Saturday's in-state showdown against Northern Iowa, according to FanDuel Sportsbook. The game kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on FS1, and it gives Iowa a chance to build momentum after last week's win over Iowa State.

The matchup is part of a full slate of Big Ten games this weekend. While most of the attention nationally will be on Ohio State's rebound after a heartbreaking loss to Texas, Iowa fans are focused on one thing: staying undefeated and sharpening the offense before conference play heats up.

What happened last week for Iowa?

The Hawkeyes took care of business against Iowa State, beating their in-state rival in a game that had the whole state buzzing. Now they face another Iowa opponent, but this time it's an FCS team. Northern Iowa comes to Iowa City with nothing to lose and everything to gain.

For Iowa, the key is avoiding a letdown. Big favorites have stumbled before, and head coach Kirk Ferentz will want his team sharp from the opening whistle. The Hawkeyes need to establish the run, protect the football, and let the defense do what it does best.

Big Ten picks: Who are the experts taking?

Our friends at MLive have been tracking their writers' picks against the spread all season. Here is where the competition stands through two weeks:

• Ryan Zuke: 23-12
• Jacob Richman: 20-15
• Andrew Kahn: 17-18
• Aaron McMann: 15-20
• Matt Wenzel: 14-21

For the Iowa game, the writers are split. Only Zuke is taking Iowa to cover the 40.5-point spread. Kahn, McMann, Richman, and Wenzel all like Northern Iowa to keep it closer than the experts expect.

Why some experts are picking Northern Iowa to cover

FCS teams often play with extra juice against big-name opponents. Northern Iowa has a proud program, and the Panthers will treat this like their Super Bowl. The 40.5-point line is massive, and covering that kind of spread requires a team to dominate for four full quarters.

Iowa might also be looking ahead. The Hawkeyes have Big Ten play looming, and coaches sometimes pull starters early when games get out of hand. That can leave the backdoor open for a late cover.

Why Iowa should cover the spread

The Hawkeyes have one of the best defenses in the country. Northern Iowa simply does not have the athletes to move the ball consistently against this front seven. On offense, Iowa should be able to run the ball at will and control the clock.

Home games in Kinnick Stadium are tough for any opponent. Add in a fired-up crowd and a team looking to prove itself, and the ingredients are there for a blowout.

Other Big Ten games to watch this weekend

While Iowa fans will be glued to their screens, there are several other intriguing matchups across the conference:

Ohio State vs. Kent State

The Buckeyes are 52.5-point favorites after their stunning 24-23 loss to Texas. Ohio State blew a 21-point fourth-quarter lead and now has to regroup. Expect the Buckeyes to come out angry.

Michigan vs. UTEP

Michigan is a 35.5-point favorite after beating Oklahoma. The Wolverines look like they have found their groove just in time for Big Ten play.

Michigan State at Notre Dame

The Spartans are 29.5-point underdogs against No. 3 Notre Dame. Coach Pat Fitzgerald says his team believes it can win. That would be a massive upset.

Northwestern vs. Colorado

Northwestern is a 3.5-point favorite at home against Deion Sanders and Colorado. This could be one of the most entertaining games of the day.

What does this mean for Iowa's season?

A win on Saturday sets up Iowa perfectly for the grind of Big Ten play. The Hawkeyes have championship aspirations, and every game matters. Fans should expect a focused, physical performance from a team that knows what is at stake.

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. ET on FS1. If you are in Iowa City, get to Kinnick early. This should be a fun afternoon for Hawkeye Nation.