College Football ATS Picks - Wyoming at Iowa Game Preview

Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen returned to school for the 2017 season instead of heading to the NFL. He wanted to get more experience before turning professional and will get a tough test in the opener. The Iowa Hawkeyes will host Allen and the Wyoming Cowboys in the season opener for both teams.

Any college team that has an elite quarterback has the capability to remain competitive even against a formidable foe, but there’s no doubt it would be an upset if the Cowboys win this game. Iowa has a strong defense and will try to get Allen off his game. Wyoming would really turn some heads if it managed to win this game, but it seems like a longshot.

Kickoff for this regular season Week 1 game is set for Saturday, September 2, 2017 at Kinnick Stadium.

NCAA Football Opening Odds at BookMaker.eu

Wyoming +11.5
Iowa -11.5
Over/Under 53

Odds Analysis

The Cowboys are double-digit underdogs but most bettors believe they can keep it close, as 74 percent of the early money is on Wyoming to cover. The “under” is the more popular choice as the Iowa defense figures to be strong.

Wyoming is +351 on the moneyline, which some early bettors like, as it is getting 60 percent of the action. Iowa is a -450 favorite to take care of business.

Player to Watch

Allen -- The Wyoming star had a big season in 2016. He threw for 3,203 yards with 28 touchdowns and 15 interceptions, completing 56 percent of his passes. Allen also added 142 carries for 523 yards and seven rushing touchdowns, keeping teams on their toes both through the air and on the ground.

He really picked up some buzz during the pre-draft process and there was talk he could be a first-round pick in the NFL but decided he needed some more seasoning. Allen will need to step up because the Wyoming offense took a big hit when star running back Brian Hill headed to the NFL.

Hill carried the ball 349 times for 1,860 yards and 22 touchdowns a season ago. The Wyoming offense averaged 35.9 points per game a season ago and the return of Allen could lead to more fireworks, but if the running game doesn’t get going against Iowa, he could have trouble.

Matchup To Watch

Iowa running game vs. Wyoming defense -- The Hawkeyes don’t figure to throw the ball a ton in this one as they are breaking in a new quarterback. C.J. Beathard has departed to the NFL after a solid career with Iowa. He threw for 1,929 yards with 17 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2016.

Iowa is still trying to decide which quarterback will take over, whether it be Tyler Wiegers or Nathan Stanley. Therefore, they will look to help aide the transition by moving the ball effectively on the ground.

Akrum Wadley had a fantastic showing in 2016, carrying the ball 168 times for 1,081 yards and 10 touchdowns, averaging a robust 6.4 yards per carry. He figures to get more work this season and should put up big-time stats. Iowa is bringing back four starters on its offensive line and that unit should have no problem paving holes against an undermanned Cowboys defensive line.

Free ATS Pick

Allen is the biggest name in this matchup, but Iowa has the superior team. The Wyoming defense had major issues last season, and while the Hawkeyes aren’t super explosive, they should do enough to gradually take control of this contest.

Allen should have a nice season but he could be under constant pressure in this one. The Cowboys may be able to get a score late to make this a reasonable margin, but the Hawkeyes should mostly have control for much of the contest. Take Iowa to cover and the “over” in this matchup.

College Football Odds: Iowa 34, Wyoming 21

BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute, so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker Sportsbook!