Week 4 College Football Picks: Iowa Hawkeyes Poised to Cover Against Michigan
Iowa football fans have plenty of reasons to feel confident heading into Saturday's Big Ten showdown against Michigan. The Hawkeyes have allowed just 13 points total through three games, and they carry a 5-0-1 record against the spread in their last six road contests. That combination makes Iowa a strong pick to cover the 5.5-point spread in Ann Arbor.
Hawkeyes' Defense Ready to Test Michigan's Young Quarterback
Michigan's Bryce Underwood faces his first real test against one of the nation's elite defensive programs. The sophomore quarterback will feel the pressure from 100,000 fans at the Big House, and Iowa's stifling defense is expected to make his afternoon miserable. The Hawkeyes have been dominant on that side of the ball all season, and this matchup sets up perfectly for another strong defensive performance.
Utah Looks to Roll Past Iowa State
In other action relevant to the region, Utah is favored by eight points over Iowa State. The Utes have been a wrecking ball, averaging 38 points per game and putting up 142 points in their first three contests. Utah's eighth-ranked run defense should control the game, forcing Cyclones quarterback Jaylen Raynor into difficult situations. Raynor is 0-4 against power conference teams with just one touchdown and four interceptions.
Best Bets for Week 4
Our top picks this week are Utah, Iowa, and Texas A&M. The Aggies are getting 8.5 points against LSU, a line that looks inflated in a matchup of equally talented teams. Quarterback Marcel Reed already proved he can handle Death Valley, accounting for four touchdowns and 108 rushing yards in last season's 49-25 win.
Other Notable Games
Oregon is a three-point favorite over USC, and the Ducks have averaged 39 points in coach Dan Lanning's two wins over Trojans coach Lincoln Riley. USC has struggled against ranked teams under Riley, going 6-13 in those matchups.
Indiana is a 21-point favorite over Northwestern, with coach Curt Cignetti's defense posting back-to-back shutouts. Illinois is getting 27.5 points at Ohio State, a number that should appeal to those who follow coach Bret Bielema's 19-7-1 record against the spread as a road underdog.
Georgia is a 14-point favorite over Oklahoma, while Florida is favored by three over Ole Miss. Miami is a massive 41.5-point favorite over Central Michigan, and Alabama is giving 12 points to South Carolina.
Wisconsin is getting 10 points at Penn State, and Missouri is favored by six over Mississippi State. Wake Forest is a 12.5-point underdog at Louisville, and Purdue is getting 28 points against Notre Dame.
Season Record
Our betting picks are 24-21 for the season, including 6-3 on best bets. For Iowa fans, the Hawkeyes' defensive dominance and proven ability to cover on the road make them one of the safest picks of the weekend.