The bowl season is known for entertaining contests between teams that don’t usually meet, and the Pinstripe Bowl could feature that this year. The Iowa Hawkeyes and Boston College Eagles are from different conferences but seem pretty even in talent level as they prepare to face off in this postseason showdown.
Boston College and Iowa both went 7-5 on the year, although the Hawkeyes had a more impressive body of work and will enter as the slight favorites. The game is being played at a neutral site but it is closer in location to Boston College, which could help it have the majority of fans. However, Iowa does have a stronger fanbase and could travel well.
This is stacking up to be an intriguing matchup that could come down to the wire.
This bowl game will go down Wednesday, December 27, 2017, at 5:15 p.m. ET at Yankee Stadium in New York City, New York.
College Football Odds at BookMaker.eu
Boston College Eagles +3
Iowa Hawkeyes -3
Over/Under 46.5
Odds Analysis
The Hawkeyes are deemed the slight favorite, but the betting public seems to believe they are getting too much credit. Nearly 70 percent of the action is on Boston College to cover the spread.
The scoring total is low for a college football game as both defenses are solid and each side does not have a super explosive offense. The “under” has been the more popular choice, as more than 62 percent of the wagers are banking on this game coming in at 46 points of fewer.
Player To Watch
A.J. Dillon — Iowa has the superior team, but one way for Boston College to keep this one close is by having a solid running attack. That’s where Dillon comes in. The freshman has burst onto the scene with the Eagles, carrying the ball 268 times for 1,432 yard and 13 touchdowns this season.
Dillon has been particularly impressive the last three games. He started the stretch with 36 carries for 196 yards and a score in a close loss to North Carolina State. He followed that up with 24 rushes for 200 yards and two touchdowns to help his team knock off Connecticut.
Last time out, Dillon carried the ball 23 times for 193 yards and three scores in a win over Syracuse. If he can get anywhere near 200 yards rushing yet again in this one, the Eagles should have a great chance at pulling the upset.
Key Stat
19.9. That’s the number of points Iowa allowed per game this season, which is a fantastic mark for a college football team. The Hawkeyes faced a tough schedule that included three top-10 teams in Penn State, Ohio State and Wisconsin and was able to hold their own.
The Nittany Lions only scored 21 points, while Iowa pulled off a shocking upset of Ohio State. Wisconsin knocked off the Hawkeyes handily, but they were one of only two teams to score more than 24 points on Iowa this season.
Free ATS Pick
Iowa is more battle-tested and comes into this game feeling confident in its chances. Dillon could change that positive vibe quickly, and he is a big reason why Boston College should be able to hang around in this game.
This is the type of matchup that seems like it could go either way, as these teams are pretty close in talent level. Iowa is the choice to win this game, as it has a slightly stronger body of work. However, the spread seems too high. This one should be competitive from start to finish, and the Hawkeyes could need some huge plays down the stretch to squeak out a victory.
Take Boston College to cover this spread, while the “under” is the choice in a game that could see plenty of conservative calls and punts.
College Football Odds: Iowa Hawkeyes 23, Boston College 21
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