Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0) vs. Penn State Nittany Lions (3-0)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions 9/23/23 – Iowa Hawkeyes will travel with their undefeated record and meet Penn State Nittany Lions (also 3-0) at Beaver Stadium on September 23, 2023, for an unmissable Big Ten Conference showdown that begins at 7:30 PM ET; CBS holds broadcast rights.
Iowa’s offensive arsenal features standout performances by running back Leshon Williams and wide receiver Seth Anderson. Williams has earned 164 rushing yards on 19 carries for an astounding average of 8.6 yards per attempt; Anderson meanwhile tallied 68 receiving yards across four receptions, one of which yielded six points for Iowa.
Penn State’s offensive unit should not be underestimated. Kaytron Allen has amassed 208 rushing yards on 42 attempts while crossing into the end zone twice. KeAndre Lambert-Smith leads their aerial attack with 220 receiving yards on 13 grabs (two of which scored). For free reliable NCAAF picks, continue reading our analysis.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions 9/23/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, September 23, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Beaver Stadium |
| TV: | CBS |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Cade McNamara QB vs. Drew Allar QB
Iowa’s quarterback Cade McNamara hasn’t had a spectacular season thus far, but he’s been serviceable. Completing 38 of 71 passing attempts, McNamara has thrown for 417 yards, with a completion percentage of 53.5%. With 4 passing touchdowns and 3 interceptions, his passer rating stands at a rather modest 113. McNamara has also been susceptible to sacks, taking six for a loss of 54 yards. The key for him will be to improve his decision-making and reduce the frequency of high-risk throws against a formidable Penn State defense.
In contrast, Penn State’s Drew Allar has been stellar this season. Completing 59 of his 88 attempts, he’s thrown for a commendable 737 yards. His completion rate is 67%, and his passer rating is a high 152.4. Remarkably, Allar has thrown four touchdown passes without a single interception this season. He has shown good pocket presence, being sacked only twice for a loss of 9 yards. His ability to read defenses and make quick decisions could be the deciding factor in this marquee matchup.
NCAAF Odds/Point Spread: Penn State Nittany Lions -600, Total Odds: 40
The betting odds heavily favor Penn State with a moneyline of -600 and a 14.5-point spread. The total for the game is set at 40, which suggests a low-scoring defensive battle. It’s worth noting that such a large spread in a game featuring two unbeaten teams could offer value for those considering an underdog bet on Iowa. Additionally, with the low total points line set at 40, bettors may want to scrutinize both teams’ recent defensive performances as a basis for under bets, given that the total has gone UNDER in 6 of Iowa’s last 8 games.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
Iowa has been strong against the spread lately, covering in 7 of their last 9 games. They have also been successful straight up, winning 8 of their last 9 games. However, they have struggled against Penn State historically, with a 2-6 SU record in their last 8 matchups. On the road, Iowa has been solid, covering the spread in 6 of their last 7 road games.
Penn State Nittany Lions Betting Trends
Penn State has been on a tear, going 9-0-1 against the spread in their last 10 games. They have also been strong straight up, boasting an 8-0 record in their last 8 games. At home, they are 9-1 in their last 10 games. When it comes to facing Iowa, the total has gone OVER in 5 of their last 7 games.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Penn State Nittany Lions 9/23/23 Betting Picks
Given the recent form of both teams, this game is set to be one of the highlights of Week 4. While Penn State is the heavy favorite, Iowa’s recent against-the-spread record suggests they might be undervalued. Taking Iowa to cover the 14.5-point spread might offer value here.
On the total points market, both teams have shown defensive capabilities. With a total set at 40, the under may be a solid bet, especially considering six of Iowa’s last eight games have gone UNDER the total. If you’re seeking more guidance on prop bets and other betting options, don’t forget to check out free latest sports picks.
Free Pick and Prediction: Penn State Nittany Lions 24, Iowa Hawkeyes 13.