The Northern Iowa Panthers have a history of being a tough nut to crack for the Iowa State Cyclones. Will it be the same story this Saturday when these two teams lock horns at Jack Trice Stadium down in Ames? Check out our preview of this game below.
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Betting Preview for the Northern Iowa Panthers vs Iowa State Cyclones NCAA Week 1 College Football Game on September 4, 2021
Where: Jack Trice Stadium, Ames
When: Saturday, September 4, 2021, 4:30 PM ET
Line: Northern Iowa Panthers (odds) vs. Iowa State Cyclones (odds) – view all 2020 NCAAF lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Northern Iowa Panthers (odds)
Record: 0-0 Overall / 0-0 Conference
Northern Iowa had a fairly successful campaign in 2020. The Panthers went 6-2 in the MVF conference that season and were 10-5 overall. They reached the postseason of the FCS though they got knocked out in the quarterfinals by James Madison. Many of the pieces who had major contributions to the success of the Panthers a season ago have returned and they are led by quarterback Will McElvain. In 2020, McElvain racked up 2,778 passing yards and 20 touchdowns. But it’s Northern Iowa’s defense that will likely dictate how far this team can go this season — and how much resistance it can offer against the ranked Cyclones. Last season, the Panthers allowed just 15.0 points per game and 285.0 total yards per contest. Northern Iowa can’t match the Cyclones talent for talent, but this is a unit that plays much better as a whole and look relatively decent on the field against a heavy favorite.
Betting on the Iowa State Cyclones (odds)
Record: 0-0 Overall / 0-0 Conference
Head coach Matt Campbell is doing a fine job down in Ames with the Cyclones. Northern Iowa can give Iowa State a warm-up just before things start to get serious for Iowa State, but don’t expect the Cyclones to take it lightly against a seemingly overmatched opponent. This is a team that has as many as 20 starters returning to action after a 9-3 (8-2) season capped by a win at the Fiesta Bowl over the Oregon Ducks. That group includes quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Breece Hall who led the team in passing and rushing in 2020, respectively. Hall, for one, led the entire Big 12 with 1,572 rushing yards and 21 rushing scores. Given the shape of Northern Iowa’s offense, it’s hard to expect the Panthers to keep up with the Cyclones’ attack. In 2020, Iowa State was 31st in the nation with 32.9 points per game and 38th with 195.0 rushing yards per contest.
Writer’s Prediction
Iowa State wins, 37-13.
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