Forget winning, some offshore sportsbooks aren’t even giving Iowa (10-2) enough credit to score a single point on Saturday night in the Big Ten Championship Game against Michigan. The Wolverines (12-0) have been impressive and look like a national title contender – if not favorite – but over three TDs is a lot of points to cover in this situation.
Before Betting on Michigan vs Iowa
Get it out of the way right now – Michigan is going to win this game outright. Many offshore sportsbooks don’t even have a ML listed because it’s nearly a sure thing for the Wolverines. They have some electricity with coach Jim Harbaugh back after serving a three game suspension for his role in sign stealing allegations and quite simply are just a much better team.
There are a few reasons why Michigan may not cover the number that is as high as -22 at some offshore books though. First, the Wolverines are in a definite letdown spot after beating archrival Ohio State 30-24 in “The Game” last week. Also, there’s really no need for Michigan to risk injury in beating the Hawkeyes, as they have their eyes on a National Championship and would be fine with a 13-17 point win and heading off to the College Football Playoffs.
Iowa has the defense to keep this game close, they’ve won games with a defense that allows just 12.2 ppg (4th fewest in the country) all season. The problem is the Hawkeyes have an absolutely atrocious offense that is up against a Michigan defense that leads the country in just 10.3 points allowed.
Big 10 Championship Game Offshore Betting Odds
| Offshore Sportsbook | Moneyline | Total | Point Spread |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetOnline | MICH (1.03) | IOWA (13.00) | 35 | MICH -21.5 (1.89) | IOWA +21.5 (1.93) |
| MyBookie | MICH (OFF) | IOWA (OFF) | 35 | MICH -22 (1.89) | IOWA +22 (1.91) |
| BetUS | MICH (OFF) | IOWA (OFF) | 35.5 | MICH -22 (1.89) | IOWA +22 (1.93) |
| SportsBetting.ag | MICH (1.03) | IOWA (13.00) | 35 | MICH -21.5 (1.89) | IOWA +21.5 (1.93) |
| XBet | MICH (OFF) | IOWA (OFF) | 35 | MICH -22 (1.91) | IOWA +22 (1.91) |
Michigan vs Iowa Prediction & Pick
Iowa has seen record setting low O/U’s all season, including 27.5 against Rutgers in week 11 that actually went under in a 22-0 Hawkeyes win. It’s not a stretch to say the Hawkeyes won’t score a point here, and Michigan has no reason to run this score up to 35-0 as they don’t need style points at this point in the season.
