Iowa vs. Northwestern: Bet the Big Ten Under at 43.5

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Iowa-Northwestern Under Draws Interest as Other Ranked Matchups Present Difficult Choices

Iowa is not even a field-goal favorite against Northwestern, which will be without Aiden Childs. Northwestern can run the ball, but Childs is the team’s best offensive player.

Iowa played Wisconsin last week in a game with a total of 36.5, so seeing the Iowa-Northwestern total at 43.5 was stunning. The under was the preferred play.

Unders are often appealing with these two Big 10 teams. Northwestern was disappointing against Oregon last week despite leading until the fourth quarter, as its defense failed to show up. That creates some concern against an inconsistent Iowa team whose offense has occasionally surprised but has also failed to produce at times.

There was no interest in playing the spread, but the under remained the strongest option.

Elsewhere, taking the seven points with A&M was considered. The hesitation was not about fading South Carolina, but rather putting more money on an A&M team that has struggled. Still, it appears to be a decent spot for A&M, especially with South Carolina ranked higher by the committee than expected despite its win over Florida.

Houston was also worth considering at 10 points or fewer.