Iowa vs. Rutgers: Odds, prediction, and start time for Week 4 matchup
The Big Ten brings another primetime game this Friday as Iowa heads to Rutgers for an early season test. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. ET at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Iowa sits at 2-1 after a comfortable win over UMass in Week 3, a game that finished 47-7. Defense remains the backbone of the Hawkeyes, who have given up only 27 points across their first three games. Under longtime head coach Kirk Ferentz, Iowa has built its reputation on being disciplined and tough on that side of the ball. Defensive end Ethan Hurkett leads the pass rush, while safeties Xavier Nwankpa and Zach Lutmer have been strong in coverage. On offense, quarterback Mark Gronowski is settling into his role, supported by a reliable backfield tandem in Xavier Williams and Jaziun Patterson.
Rutgers comes into the contest unbeaten at 3-0, looking confident and productive. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has started the year well, throwing for more than 800 yards and seven touchdowns. He has plenty of help from wide receivers KJ Duff, Ian Strong, and DT Sheffield, who have added speed and playmaking ability. The Scarlet Knights are averaging more than 46 points per game, and their special teams have made headlines too, with multiple blocked punts turned into touchdowns. Head coach Greg Schiano has guided the program to steady progress, and Friday night gives Rutgers another chance to show it can compete at a higher level.
Oddsmakers have Iowa as a narrow 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 46.5 points. SportsLine analyst Tom Fornelli, who has been accurate with Rutgers games in the past, leans toward the Over and highlights one factor that could swing the spread.
