Hawk Fanatic Week 4 predictions
IOWA CITY, Iowa – With the nonconference portion of the schedule now over, it’s time to get serious as Iowa starts Big Ten play.
And for the 3-0 Hawkeyes, it doesn’t get much more serious than facing seventh-ranked Penn State (3-0) in a night game, in Happy Valley, and with a White Out capacity crowd waiting to unleash.
The oddsmakers give Iowa little chance of pulling the upset as a 14.5-point underdog, and it makes sense under the circumstances.
Iowa is without three of its best offensive players, and the offense hasn’t been very good with them.
So, obviously, that’s a concern as you can tell by our picks in this week’s Hawk Fanatic predictions.
Dallas Jones is off to a 13-2 start to lead our panel, and he was a perfect 5-0 last week, as was Alex Pruismann in his second week on the panel.
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Pat Harty
Penn State 17, Iowa 14: I’m just surprised Gary Barta didn’t include the total points scored by both teams in Brian Ferentz’s revised contract.
Notre Dame 28, Ohio State 27: I’m not sure why I made this pick because Notre Dame has let me down in big games more than Friday nights have since I turned 30.
Minnesota 22, Northwestern 12: Having to watch this game would be a form of hazing.
Oregon 34, Colorado 31: The Deion Sanders post-game press conference will have as many highlights as the game itself.
Alabama 25, Ole Miss 20: Nick Saban should tease Lane Kiffin after the game for failing to meet the 25-point performance incentive in Brian Ferentz’s contract.
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 10-5
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Dallas Jones
Penn State 24, Iowa 13: No way the Hawkeyes don’t cover in the. black pants.
Ohio State 31, Notre Dame 27: IMO this is game of the week, Norte Dame can either put everyone on notice or do the usual ND thing and lose the big games.
Minnesota 17, Northwestern 6: Ewh.
Colorado 37, Oregon 34: I’M NOT A MOMENT, I’M A MONUMENT.
Alabama 21, Ole Miss 18: This will be the most Big Ten looking SEC game of the week.
Last week: 5-0
Overall:13-2
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Rob Howe
Penn State 24, Iowa 13: I don’t own any black pants.
Notre Dame 30, Ohio State 27: When I pick Notre Dame to win, it loses. When I picked it to lose, it wins. I don’t like Notre Dame.
Minnesota 27, Northwestern 10: The Big Ten West, folks. Soak it up while you can.
Oregon 38, Colorado 31: Has this one been made personal? Tough to keep up.
Alabama 34, Ole Miss 24: Kiffin loves poking Saban. He just can’t beat him.
Last week: 4-1
Overall: 10-5
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Alex Pruismann
Penn State 24, Iowa 17: As much as I like the direction of the offense, the defense worries with Aller and the big play after last week. The white out plays a factor, but at least Iowa looks sweet in a new uniform combo!
Ohio State 31, at Notre Dame 28: This is what ND gets for thinking it doesn’t need to join a conference for football.
Minnesota 27, Northwestern 10: Northwestern is bad. What else can I say?
Oregon 31, Colorado 30: Close game with honestly great teams in my opinion. The loss of T. Hunter plays a big factor.
Alabama 35, Ole Miss 17: Bama’ gets back on track and Proctor looks better. I am still hoping he decides Iowa is better than Alabama at some point. I am a dreamer…
Last week: 5-0
Overall: 7-3