Iowa vs. Wisconsin Betting Pick: Back Hawkeyes at Home

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Home-Field Advantage Drives Iowa Lean Against Wisconsin

Iowa’s home matchup with Wisconsin presents an interesting spot. The line opened slightly higher toward the Hawkeyes, with some bettors getting Iowa at three and a half points. Because every point matters in an Iowa game, the preferred play was Iowa on the moneyline at -130.

These appear to be evenly matched teams. Wisconsin may be slightly better, but Iowa’s home-field advantage could swing the game. Respected bettors are on both sides, with reasonable cases being made for Iowa and Wisconsin.

Both teams have excellent defenses, making the under appealing, although a total in the 30s is difficult to play. Wisconsin beat USC, while Iowa showed more offense early in the season by scoring around 40 points per game. That production has faded. The Hawkeyes lost to Minnesota, scored only 10 points last week and lost their leading rusher for the season.

Despite Iowa’s offensive concerns, Wisconsin also raises questions. This could become a 17-13 or 17-14 game in which one big play threatens the under. The lean is toward Iowa at home, though a Wisconsin win would not be surprising.

Some bettors are taking the points with Wisconsin, which makes the Iowa side more appealing. An unranked team laying points to a ranked opponent can be meaningful, as South Carolina against Tennessee showed last week. It is also notable that Iowa does not appear to be receiving the same attention in that role this week.