Hawk Fanatic Week 12 Predictions
IOWA CITY, Iowa – One of the benefits of playing on Black Friday is having less competition for television viewership, and having a rare Saturday off in the fall.
Now it’s just up to Big Ten West Division champion Iowa and bowl-hopeful Nebraska to make their annual regular-season-ending border battle worth watching.
That could be a problem if you prefer watching teams score a lot of points, as many viewers do.
Points could be scare on Friday in Lincoln because both teams are much better on defense than offense.
The Iowa defense has only allowed two touchdowns over the last 20 quarters, while the Nebraska defense held Illinois to 21 rushing yards in a 20-7 victory on Oct. 6, and recorded eight sacks and 13 tackles for loss in a 17-9 victory over Northwestern.
If you’re into multiple 3-and-outs, numerous punts and pass breakups, then this game could be a viewers delight.
As for our four panelists, Dallas Jones is clinging to a one-pick lead, and has led for most of the season.
Alex Pruismann started making predictions in week two, and yet, he’s only two behind Dallas in the win column.
Pat Harty
Iowa 4, Nebraska 3: A safety by Deontae Craig in the first quarter, and by Joe Evans in the fourth quarter will carry Iowa to its 10th victory.
Michigan 27, Ohio State 24: With three straight losses to the team from up north, Ryan Day might soon be a candidate to replace Brian Ferentz
Minnesota 8, Wisconsin 7: If it came down to watching this game or C-SPAN for four straight hours, I’d watch C-SPAN in the first half, and then would switch back and forth in the second half.
Illinois 28, Northwestern 21: David Braun in an attempt to cheer up his players should remind them after the loss that at least they get to leave Champaign, whereas the Illinois players have to live there.
Kansas State 25, Iowa State 20: Matt Campbell can’t use that same post-game strategy to cheer up his players, because while they get to leave Manhattan, Kansas, they have to go back to Ames.
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 37-18
Dallas Jones
Iowa 10, Nebraska 9: The battle of who will reach double digits first!
Michigan 20, Ohio State 24: I just don’t think Michigan does the thing twice in a row.
Minnesota 10, Wisconsin 20: Thank you Wisconsin for all you’ve done for the ‘ewh’ games this year
Illinois 31, Northwestern 34: Football state!
Kansas State 34, Iowa State 24: Cyclones don’t cover, sorry to tell ya!
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 38-17
Rob Howe
Iowa 10, Nebraska 9: It’s the week we’re all reminded how obnoxious Husker fans can be, as if we ever truly forget.
Michigan 24, Ohio State 20: Here’s a sign poor, abused Michigan can have (middle finger emoji).
Minnesota 16, Wisconsin 13: Watching somebody chopping wood with an axe would be more interesting than this matchup.
Illinois 19, Northwestern 18: There are three examples on our slate this week that explains why divisions going away in the Big Ten is a great thing. That said, all three will be played again next season (crying emoji).
Kansas State 27, Iowa State 17: Kansas State is a better team playing at home. No need to overthink it.
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 33-25
Alex Pruismann
Iowa 23, Nebraska 20: 10-2 sounds really nice for this team of adversity.
Ohio State 35, Michgian 31: Great game that comes down to UM not stealing enough signals.
Wisconsin 20, Minnesota 17: The row boat takes on yet another hole after blowing late lead.
Illinois 28, Northwestern 24: Another 350+ passing game and Illini win this battle.
Kansas State 38, Iowa State 31: ISU just can’t get over the hump today. Play from behind all game.
Last week: 3-2
Overall: 36-14