Bad Knee Bets: Week Four
By Dallas Jones
IOWA CITY, IA – Last week did not go well in the slightest. After a modest 2-2 start with my week two picks, the books completely swept me last Saturday, going 0-4. One thing I always say though, you can’t have a great comeback without a great deficit.
Thanks again to our friends at Wild Rose Casino & Hotel and BetRivers Sportsbook for the lines. Let’s begin.
Iowa at Minnesota (Over 35.5)
I can honestly say for the first time in many years, the Iowa Hawkeyes are unpredictable. Usually, the Hawkeyes win with a simple formula (field position, clock control, etc).
This year, we have seen slow starts turn into fast finishes, we have seen the Hawkeye defense give up multiple big plays and we have seen a lot more scoring overall in the early parts of this 2024-25 season.
It is the Big Ten opener for both of these teams in primetime, I like the Hawkeye offense continuing to run the ball well and I am not so sure the Iowa secondary has sure up everything they need to. Iowa has yet to play in a game that failed to reach 36 points this season and that is not starting Saturday.
Rutgers (+3.5) at Virginia Tech
Before I get into the game, I would like to make it know that I am currently on my fifth season as Head Coach of Rutgers in NCAA College Football 25 right now, so my heart is in this pick a little bit.
On the other hand, the Scarlet Knights are coming off an early bye and take a 2-0 record into Virginia Tech. Kyle Monangai is an elite back, with 373 yards on the ground in those first two games paired with four touchdowns.
Big Ten > ACC, sprinkle some money on Rutgers moneyline if you want a real thrill!
Villanova at Maryland (-18.5)
Ten years ago, this would have been one of the marquee college basketball matchups in the Northeast. But unfortunately for Villanova, we are not playing basketball.
I respect the Wildcats for putting together a 3-0 football team, no matter who the opponent have been (Towson most recently). Maryland had a heartbreaker in their last home game against Michigan State, the Terrapins will come out and control this one.
Tennesse at Oklahoma (Over 56.5)
Box office, game of the week, clash of titans, whatever you want to call it this game will be special. We are seeing some of the excitement of the new look SEC early this year and I don’t think there is a more confident team in the country than Tennessee right now.
The Volunteers currently rank first in points per game(63.7), second in total yards(643.3) and 11th in 3rd down percentage(56.8%) in the entire country. Taking down an undefeated Oklahoma team at home is never easy though.
Don’t overthink it, bet the over and enjoy the show.
That is all for this week, I just hope everyone has fun.
Season Record: 2-6 (0-4 last week)