Wyoming at Iowa – College Football Predictions
The Game
This is a very interesting Big 10 vs Mountain West match-up to start the season. The Cowboys had a wonderful 8-6 campaign capped off with a trip to the Mountain West Title Game (!) where they lost 27-24 to San Diego St. They are definitely a JUGGERNAUT on the rise. Meanwhile Iowa struggled to get much going on offense last year and still bagged eight wins. MEGALOCKS BIG 10 MAX UNIT BOMB INSIDERS feel that the Hawkeyes are under the degenerate radar heading into this season.
The Details
IOWA 11.5 WYOMING (52)
MEGALOCKS LINE – Iowa -16
“Vegas” Implied Projected Score: Iowa 31.75 Wyoming 20.25
Massey Ratings Projected Score: Iowa 35 Wyoming 22
The Match-Up
Iowa offense vs Wyoming defense
The prognosis for the Cowboys’ defense in this one appears to be ‘pain’. At least when it comes to the running game. Iowa has a fantastic offense line and a PAIR of legit #1 RBs in Akrum Wadley (1,081,10 TD) and Nevada transfer James Butler (1,336,12 TD) who both had fine 2016 campaigns. There is also quite a bit of depth behind those two men. Wyoming has given up 200+ yards per game on the ground seemingly every year since the Titanic was still afloat. The success in the running game should allow new QB Nathan Stanley to hit some shots down the field to a healthy Matt Vandeberg. Also note that RB Wadley caught 36 balls out of the backfield this season. Yes, kids. There will be some nasty formations with Wadley and Butler on the field at the same time.
The Cowboys allowed 34 points per game for the 2nd straight season in 2016. They definitely had their problems vs the run but held their own vs the pass. They were also ranked #3 in the FBS in defensive TDs (5) so that had to help. There are definitely some good players on this defense and the depth keeps getting better. Having said that it feels like the Cowboys will do well to keep Iowa under 35 points.
Wyoming offense vs Iowa defense
Allen. Maybe the best QB ever ? Montana ? Brady ? Jay Cutler ? There is no doubt that Josh Allen is a 14-tool QB that ESPN loves. The problem is that the LEADING rusher from 2016 in the RB unit had only 33 yards last season. They also lose their star WR Tanner Gentry. And they will be starting a true freshman at center. The offensive live still looks pretty good but that Iowa front 7 is one of the best in the Big 10 and they are really tough at home. This is going to be a stiff challenge for Allen and do not forget he tossed 15 INTs last season including five in one game vs the Huskers. Iowa returns 8 starters on defense and have a lot of goodies on the DL and in the LB corps. They will miss star CB Desmond King but Wyoming will also be without WR James Price. Allen is a really good QB and will make some plays but we find it hard to see the Cowboys staying close over four quarters particularly if Iowa holds the ball for 59 minutes.
MEGA MINUTIA
Iowa beat Wyoming 20-19 in the 1987 Holiday Bowl…..We remember it cost us in the bowl confidence pool….#Issues……Iowa is 3-10-1 ATS in their last 14 home games…..Wyoming gave up 125 points (!) in their final two roadies last season….One was a multiple OT game against UNLV.
Summary
This feels like a comfortable win for Iowa. Huge advantage in the running game and on defense. Regardless of the outcome Wyoming will still be a player in the Mountain West. This just seems like a tough spot to expect a big effort.
Conclusion
Official play: Iowa -11.5 -106 (play no higher than -13.5)