The first week of the 2021 NCAA football season packs non-stop action, and part of the list is a clash between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Iowa Hawkeyes. Kirk Ferentz and his team host the Hoosiers in their opening game after finishing with a 6-2 record last season. Meanwhile, Indiana comes off the same 6-2 record and is looking to improve their record under Tom Allen. There’s very little separation between the two teams, which makes this a must-watch contest for those who want to see a tight game.

That said, NitroBetting makes sure that you are in on the betting action from start to finish with the aid of this preview. We cover everything you need to know about the Indiana vs. Iowa game. Get the low down on the event’s details, key team and player statistics, the latest NCAAF odds, timely betting trends, and our very own expert betting predictions. Don’t forget to check out the latest 2021 College Football odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

Indiana Hoosiers vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Game Information

It's about that time ⌛️

GAME WEEK ‼️#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/Dhs1AXveFF

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) August 30, 2021

• When: Saturday, September 4, 2021, 3:30 PM ET
• Where: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
• TV: ABC
• Radio: WIBC 93.1 FM (Indiana) / AM 600 WMT (Iowa)
• Live Stream: CBS Sports
• College Football Odds: Indiana (+3.5) / Iowa (-3.5)

Why Bet on the Indiana Hoosiers?

Previously, the Indiana Hoosiers documented 28.9 points and 359.5 yards per game in the 2020 season. They allowed an average of 20.3 points and 378.1 yards per game, making them a reliable defensive team. But going over the offensive side first, we find Michael Penix Jr. returning at quarterback after throwing for 1,600 yards and claiming 14 touchdowns. He is an exciting piece of Indiana’s offense that will remain dangerous as long as he’s healthy, while running back Tim Baldwin Jr. should provide support in the backfield after recording 22 touches as a backup last year. Ty Fryfogle and Miles Marshall hold wide receiving duties. The duo combined for 1,000 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns in the recent season.

Now, looking over the Hoosier’s defense, we find Micah McFadden leading the charge after recording a team-high 58 tackles last season. Taiwan Mullen also had 3.5 sacks, while Jaylin Williams gave his team more defensive bite following 4 interceptions. Overall, Indiana’s trend improved over the years and is now among the Big Ten contenders. Several lineup changes need to be ironed out, but they have enough depth to start the season with confidence.

Why Bet on the Iowa Hawkeyes?

The 2020 season has been good to the Iowa Hawkeyes after the team averaged 31.8 points and 368.6 yards per game. They only allowed an average of 16 points and 313.8 yards per game, which tells us how dependable their defense is. But before everything else, we take a look at Iowa’s offense, which is currently conducted by Spencer Petras. After throwing for 1,500 yards and listing 9 touchdowns last season, he is expected to run a smoother show on offense this year.

Working alongside him is running back Tyler Goodson, who returns after recording 700 rushing yards and 7 touchdowns, as well as the duo of tight end Sam Laporta and wide receiver Nico Ragaini who racked up a total of 400 receiving yards and a touchdown.

Going back to the defense, we set our sights on Seth Benson. The junior linebacker has big shoes to fill, but after producing 47 tackles last year, the Hawkeyes are in good hands. Meanwhile, Zach VanValkenburg had 3.5 sacks, and Jack Koerner added another three interceptions to help out the defensive unit. Despite losing several key players, the offense should give Iowa the push it needs to get going.

Indiana vs. Iowa Betting Trends

• Indiana is 4-1 in its last 5 away games.
• Indiana is 4-1 against the spread in its last 5 away games.
• The totals have gone under in 2 of Indiana’s last 5 away games.
• Iowa is 4-1 in its last 5 home games.
• Iowa is 2-3 against the spread in its last 5 home games.
• The totals have gone over in 1 of Iowa’s last 5 home games.

Indiana vs. Iowa Expert Betting Predictions

Several years since Tom Allen took over head coaching duties for the Indiana Hoosiers, the team accomplished a positive trend. There’s enough firepower here to cover the spread and even overcome the Hawkeyes at their home-field. On the other hand, Iowa remains the more physical team of the two, giving them a wide opening to control the game. Indiana doesn’t have a long list of victories against Iowa over the years, but showing consistency can be the difference between winning and losing in this contest.

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Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2022 College Football season. Stay tuned for more football previews and articles, and don’t forget to check out the latest NCAAF betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

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