2015
Iowa Hawkeyes
College Football
Betting Preview
Schedule and Odds
There is never a season where Iowa doesn’t think it will be better than the last. The Hawkeyes have had plenty of shots to win their division in the Big Ten, but haven’t surpassed eight wins in a season since they had 11 back in 2009. That should be the same expectation again with this group, not having the capability of winning the West, but getting into a mediocre bowl Game.
5 dimes sportsbook currently lists Iowa at odds of 600 to 1 to win the National Title and 30 to 1 to win the Big 10. Those odds are current as of late May so be sure to check in with 5 dimes for the latest changes.
The offense loses most of their top players from a year ago including Jake Rudock, Mark Weisman, Kevonte Martin-Manley and No. 5 pick in the NFL Draft, Brandon SCherff. However, it’s not like the offense was great last season as Weisman only averaged 3.8 yards per carry and Rudock was replaced by C.J. Beathard at quarterback before spring even started. Losing their best two tackles will probably be the biggest hole they have to fill. Jordan Canzeri should come in and lead the team at running back, while Tevaun Smith is back as a receiver. Tight end Jake Duzey is hurt so that doesn’t help either, but Goerge Kittle was getting some attention in the spring. Beathard was OK in the spring scrimmage, throwing 17-of-32 for 162 yards and an interception. There’s no reason to think this group will be worse than a year ago, but also no reason to think they’ll be better.
The defense has seemingly always been Iowa’s strong suit and that’ll be the case again. They only really lost a couple guys on the line and those spots have already been replaced. The linebackers are in a much better position this year with Bo Bower, Ben Niemann and Josey Jewell looking to run the unit. The secondary is also much intact.
The defense faltered in the second half of last season, giving up 38 points to Maryland, 51 to Minnesota and 45 in their bowl Game to Tennessee. With a bit more experience, the Hawkeyes should look a little better on that side of the field.
For this team to show any kind of progress, a win at Iowa State would be nice in their second Game. They host Pittsburgh the next week and face a familiar coach in Michigan State’s former defensive coordinator Pat Narduzzi. Iowa’s Conference road Schedule isn’t too friendly going at Wisconsin, Northwestern and Nebraska. On the other positive side, the Hawkeyes get Indiana (road) and Maryland (home) out of the East. They have a nice home Schedule that should see them reach seven or eight wins again, which has become the norm for this team over the last couple of years.
2015 Iowa Football Schedule
Sept. 5 vs. Illinois State
Sept 12 at Iowa State
Sept. 19 vs. Pittsburgh
Sept. 26 vs. North Texas
Oct. 3 at Wisconsin
Oct. 10 vs. Illinois
Oct. 17 at Northwestern
Oct. 31 vs. Maryland
Nov. 7 at Indiana
Nov. 14 vs. Minnesota
Nov. 21 vs. Purdue
Nov. 27 at Nebraska