Iowa vs. Minnesota Prediction: Week 8 Odds, Picks & Best Bet (Oct. 24)
A Big 10 tilt between two historically defensive-oriented programs takes center stage for my latest Iowa vs. Minnesota prediction.
No. 15 Iowa is a -6.5-point road favorite from Huntington Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. ahead of Saturday's kickoff set for 3:30 p.m. ET (FS1).
Iowa vs. Minnesota picks & predictions
See all of our experts' college football picks for Week 8 based on the latest college football odds.
| Pick | Odds | Bet size |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa -6.5 | -122 via bet365 | 2.44 units to profit 2.00 units |
| Under 40.5 | -108 via bet365 | 1.08 units to profit 1.00 unit |
Picks submitted: Oct. 23 at 11:45 a.m. ET. Odds subject to change.
Total wagered: 3.52 units | Max profit: +3.00 units
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Iowa vs. Minnesota prediction & best bet
Check out all of our college football predictions for more analysis across this week's slate.
Iowa -6.5 (-122 via bet365)
Iowa will start QB Jeremy Hecklinski for a second straight game following Hank Brown's shoulder injury. Hecklinski was highly productive for the Hawkeyes, throwing for over 200 yards and 3 touchdowns with a 73 percent completion rate in a 41-24 road win against Washington.
Now, he'll likely feed RB Kamari Moulton, who draws a favorable matchup against the Golden Gophers. Minnesota's last game played was disastrous, giving up over 300 rushing yards, 6.5 YPC, and 4 touchdowns to Purdue in a 41-13 loss.
Iowa's lone loss came to No. 3 Ohio State. It's nothing to be ashamed of and the Hawkeyes' defensive prowess should limit Minnesota to 20 or fewer points for the fourth time in five games played against a Power 4 opponent.
📡 SBR Edge: Road Hawks
Iowa has covered the spread in 7 straight road games against Big 10 opponents.
Hecklinski and Hawkeyes' Defense Smother the Golden Gophers
We've only seen one start from Hecklinski, but he appears to be a legitimate weapon as a passer. Iowa faces a Minnesota defense that has allowed over 450 yards of offense to Mississippi State and Purdue in 2026.
The Hawkeyes' defense is a top-10 unit. Under long-time head coach, Kirk Ferentz, Iowa enters this game giving up only 1 rushing touchdown this season. The Golden Gophers' passing game has gone been unimpressive in its last 2 contests, so expect Iowa to roll in this spot.
Play to: Iowa -9.5
Score prediction: Iowa 34, Minnesota 6
Live Iowa vs. Minnesota odds
See the latest odds movement and more on our Iowa vs. Minnesota matchup page.
Iowa vs. Minnesota opening odds
- Moneyline: Iowa -245 | Minnesota +198
- Spread: Iowa -4.5 (-118) | Minnesota +4.5 (-102)
- Over/Under: Over 42.5 (-108) | Under 42.5 (-112)
Iowa vs. Minnesota weather
The Huntington Bank Stadium forecast calls for warm 72 degree temperatures at kickoff, while winds up to 13.5 mph are expected. Only a 6 percent probability of precipitation.
Latest Iowa vs. Minnesota injuries
Iowa:
- QB Hank Brown, QB - Out
Minnesota:
- None
How to watch Iowa vs. Minnesota: Week 8
- Date: Saturday, Oct. 24
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Location: Huntington Bank Stadium (Minneapolis, Minn.)
- TV/Streaming: FS1
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