Rutgers vs. Iowa: Odds, prediction, and start time for Week 4 game
The Big Ten receives a primetime matchup Friday as Rutgers hosts Iowa in an early season affair. The game is set for an 8 p.m. ET start at SHI Stadium in Piscataway, New Jersey.
Iowa is at 2-1 after an effortless win over UMass in Week 3, a game that was won 47-7. Defense is again the rock upon which the Hawkeyes are founded, with the team having scored only 27 points in their first three games. Under longtime head man Kirk Ferentz, the team established itself as a tough and disciplined team on the defensive flank. Linebacker Ethan Hurkett leads the pass rush, and safeties Xavier Nwankpa and Zach Lutmer have been perfect in coverage. On offense, QB Mark Gronowski is settling into his own rhythm, supported with a rugged backfield tandem in Xavier Williams and Jaziun Patterson.
Rutgers comes into the game unbeaten at 3-0 and looking productive and confident. Quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis has gotten the season going on the right foot with over 800 yards passing and seven touchdowns. He receives plenty of assistance from wide outs KJ Duff, Ian Strong, and DT Sheffield, who have added speed and playmaking ability. The Scarlet Knights are averaging over 46 points, and special teams have been a headline grabber as well with multiple blocked punts turned into touchdowns. Program head man Greg Schiano has brought the team stable growth, and Friday night presents Rutgers with a chance to prove it is capable of bigger and better.
Bookmakers have the Cyclones as a slight 1.5-point favorite, with the over/under at 46.5 points. SportsLine handicapper Tom Fornelli, who was highly accurate with Rutgers games in the past, favors the Over and highlights one thing that could turn the spread.
