Hawk Fanatic Week 3 predictions
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Week three is upon us and the Hawk Fanatic predictions are really starting to heat up.
Okay, that’s probably an exaggeration because all five of this week’s picks involve Big Ten teams, but at this stage, the Big Ten leaves much to be desired, especially the West Division.
A case could be made for 2-0 Iowa being the best so far in the West, and that is without getting much help on offense to this point.
Iowa is a heavy favorite against Western Michigan, which actually leads the series 2-1 oddly enough with wins in 2000 and 2007 over the Hawkeyes.
But those two Iowa teams weren’t very good, and they hardly compare to the current Iowa team, which should win handily on Saturday.
But still, you never know until the game is played.
So, here are this week’s picks:
Pat Harty
Iowa 38, Western Michigan 10: Alex picked the same score, so, I’m just proud to be following the example of a deputy sheriff.
Washington 27, Michigan State: 19: It’s unfortunate that this being a future Big Ten matchup won’t be the most-talked-about storyline surrounding this game.
Penn State 31, Illinois 14: Bret Bielema should start pretending that the opposing coach is Jim Walden.
North Carolina 24, Minnesota 18: North Carolina coach Mack Brown, who turned 72 in August, tells P.J. Fleck before the game that he was rowing boats long before Fleck was even born.
Purdue 35, Syracuse 33: With Purdue trailing by 10 points at halftime, Gene Keady is brought into the Purdue locker room just to scowl at the players, and it works.
Last week: 2-3
Overall: 6-4
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Dallas Jones
Western Michigan 3, Iowa 28: If you think this game is going over, you haven’t been paying attention.
Washington 34, Michigan State 20: Morale is real low in East Lansing to say the least.
Penn State 24, Illinois 13: The uniform matchup might be the most exciting thing about this game.
Minnesota 17, North Carolina 27: Drake Maye for Heisman hype really died down quick.
Syracuse 27, Purdue 23: This exact game lost me so much money last year, thanks Purdue.
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 8-2
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Rob Howe
Iowa 34, Western Michigan 7: The 34 points put Iowa’s season total at 78 (26.0 PPG) heading into Big Ten play. It doesn’t matter, but there you have it.
Washington 33, Michigan State 17: Mark Dantonio back with the Spartans for upcoming game at Kinnick Stadium. Hey diddle diddle.
Penn State 23, Illinois 9: Who’s ready for the faking injuries talk next week with Iowa preparing a State College trip.
North Carolina 27, Minnesota 17: It’s too long for the Gopher boat to row.
Purdue 30, Syracuse 28: We’re picking games this week that all feature a future opponent this season. Did Pat do that intentionally? Also, it’s hard to find a good orange in Iowa.
Last week: 2-3
Overall: 6-4
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Alex Pruismann
Washington 28, Michigan State 13: Penix goes wild as the Spartans struggle to do anything after a week of turmoil. What will 95 million bring them next?
Penn State 24, Illinois, 13: Penn State runs all over Illinois and the Bielema tenure is looking more like his time at Arkansas rather than Wisconsin.
North Carolina: 31, Minnesota 17: North Carolina. It plays it close until the 2nd half when North Carolina. Teams are close but the Tar Heels pull away and the Gophers still hate Iowa…
Syracuse 38, Purdue: 35: Two bad teams fight it out until Syracuse wins on a walk off FG. Tracy scores for Purdue but they just can’t stop the Orange.
Last week: 2-3
Overall: 2-3