At the beginning of the season Mississippi State and Iowa were touted as dark horse title contenders. Mississippi State had one of the most experienced offenses in the county. In the same way Iowa was experienced and fundamentally sound. While both teams had good seasons, they did not quite live up to expectations. Most important of all both the Bulldogs and Hawkeyes showed betting on NCAA Football profitability. That being said neither team is in the upper echelon of college football. As a consequence, the Outback Bowl is a true consolation prize.
Outback Bowl
Mississippi State Bulldogs vs. Iowa Hawkeyes
Date and Time: Tuesday, January 1, 2018, noon ET
Location: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
Betting on NCAA Football Odds at SBG:
| Team | Spread | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Iowa | +7½ (-130) | 44 (-110) |  |
| Mississippi St | -7½ (+110) | 44 (-110) | |
| |||
Outback Bowl TV Coverage: ESPN2
Iowa Hawkeyes
The Iowa Hawkeyes closed with two wins at the end of the year to help ease the sour taste of a lost season. Overall Iowa was 8-4 straight up, 7-5 against the spread, and 8-4 over the total. As a result, the Hawkeyes finished tied for second place in the Big Ten West Division. Iowa struggled on offense to rank 76th in the country. Defensively they were much more impressive and ranked eight best in the land. Wile the Hawks will bowl there is disappointment at their not taking advantage of a weak West Division.
Mississippi State Bulldogs
Mississippi State has strong betting on NCAA Football Momentum for this bowl matchup. To be exact the Bulldogs won and covered their final five games of the season. Hail State finished 8-4 both straight up and against the spread with 2-9 under the total. In like manner to Iowa the Bulldogs struggled offensively. MSU ranked 66th in the nation for offense. Contrarily their defense was among the very best. As a matter of fact, Hail State ranked 1st for fewest points allowed. Head coach Joe Moorhead had the tough task of replacing Dan Mullen. Yet he earned respect.
Stats to Consider
Mississippi State has shown solid offshore bookmaker value as an away favorite. As an example, Bulldogs have paid in four of their last six laying points on the road. Further, the Bulldogs have gone under the total in their last five games in that role. Counter to that is Iowa’s good betting value as a road dog. Consider the Hawkeyes have lost just four of their last 16 games vs. the board in that situation. Just two of their last eight as away pups have gone under the total.
Team vs. Team
Hail State is led by quarterback Nick Fitzgerald. Specifically, Fitzgerald threw 15 touchdown passes and added 1018 yards rushing. Additionally, he ran for 12 touchdowns. By contrast Iowa quarterback Nick Stanley threw for 2638 yards with 23 touchdown passes,
Matchup to Watch
Certainly, the Iowa defense vs. the Bulldogs offense is the key Betting on NCAA Football matchup. As was previously noted the Hawkeyes have the proven ability to get the cash as away dogs. In the second place Stanley is the more consistent quarterback in this bowl game.
Outback Bowl Betting on NCAA Football Picks
In sum the Iowa Hawkeyes should bring superior value.
Outback Bowl Betting on NCAA Football Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes
Outback Bowl Betting on NCAA Football Score Prediction: Iowa 28, Mississippi State 27
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