The Iowa Hawkeyes exceeded expectations a season ago, winning the Big Ten West and coming close to capturing a spot in the College Football Playoff. After a 12-win regular season last year, the projected win total has dropped to 8.5 in 2016. The Hawkeyes will aim to surpass that number once again in NCAA football gambling.
Iowa surprised many by winning 12 straight games to begin the regular season, and the Hawkeyes ascended to No. 3 in the country heading into the Big Ten Championship game against the Michigan State Spartans. Iowa stayed close but fell 16-13 to end its chance at making the College Football Playoff. The Hawkeyes went to the Rose Bowl but were stomped by the Stanford Cardinal by a score of 45-16.
The Hawkeyes were led in 2015 by their defense, which allowed only 20.4 points per game, which was in the top-20 nationally. Star cornerback Desmond King returns to lead the way this year after accumulating 72 tackles and an impressive eight interceptions. Jaleel Johnson had 45 tackles and 3.5 sacks and will return to lead the defensive line, although Iowa must replace key star defensive end Mel Ott. Iowa has eight starters coming back overall, which could make it formidable once again.
The offense averaged 30.9 points per game and could be better in 2016. Quarterback C.J. Beathard returns after throwing for 2,809 yards with 17 touchdowns and five interceptions last season. The running game will be led by LeShun Daniels, who had 145 carries for 646 yards and eight touchdowns, but the team must replace starter Jordan Canzeri. Matt VandeBerg led the Hawkeyes with 65 catches for 703 yards and four touchdowns a year ago and he’s also back. Three offensive linemen that started last season are back, but bringing in two new ones also leaves question marks. However, having a returning quarterback and his main receiving weapon bode well for 2016.
The Hawkeyes went 12-0 in last year’s regular season and return many key players, which is why they should once again be contenders in the Big Ten. However, the team won several close games and didn’t face a very tough schedule, so the oddsmakers see regression coming. Iowa likely isn’t on the same plane as conference foes like the Ohio State Buckeyes and Michigan Wolverines, but the team went 12-2 and has a lot of talent returning, so certainly it should be able to rack up more victories in 2016. Another bowl games seems very probable, but the Hawkeyes would love to one-up last season’s finish and win the Big Ten in 2016 in NCAA football gambling.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day including the over-under win total for the 2016 Iowa Hawkeyes, who will aim to surpass the projected total of 8.5 wins behind Desmond King, C.J. Beathard, Matt VandeBerg and Jaleel Johnson. 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!
