CFB odds: A golden opportunity has fallen into the lap of the Iowa Hawkeyes for the 2014 college football season due to the realignment of the Big Ten Conference into East and West Divisions. Iowa is in the weaker West Division and will end the season with back to back home games against what are expected to be the top two contenders in the West, Wisconsin and Nebraska, which sets them up perfectly for a legitimate shot at the Big Ten Championship Game. Iowa opened at BetDSI as a +9,386 choice to win the BCS national championship with an over under win total of eight -170 over and +145 under.
Breakout Time?
Kirk Ferentz was considered one of the top head coaches in college football after Iowa posted three consecutive double digit win seasons from 2002-2004 but since that time the Hawkeyes have posted just one 10-win season (in 2009) and Ferentz has had to deal with a lot of off the field embarrassments with his program in that span. But with 41 returning lettermen and just 16 lettermen departing, an easy schedule, and with eight starters back on offense this is shaping up as a “if not now, never” type of season. Junior QB Jake Rudock leads a talented and deep offense that includes 1000 yard rusher Mark Weisman and four of their top five receivers back from last year.
Handicapper’s Notebook
Iowa has covered the spread in just four out of their last 12 home games as a favorite while going 3-6 against the spread as a road dog. The Hawkeyes are a dangerous 26-15 ATS after coming off a straight up loss.
Our Prognosis
When assessing a college football team’s chances prior to the season one of the most critical but overlooked factors is scheduling. Iowa’s 2014 schedule is far more important as a factor than the returning talent as they avoid such Big Ten powers such as Michigan State and Ohio State, not to mention an aspiring traditional power in Michigan. Iowa’s toughest road game is a winnable matchup at Minnesota. Add in the experience on offense and you have what could be a dream season in Iowa City and the likelihood of exceeding the eight win mark with little trouble.
