Sports

Vegas Sets a Razor-Thin Line for Iowa vs. Rutgers — But One Expert on an 11-2 Hot Streak Just Made His Shocking Pick!

Sophie Dubois

September 19, 20252 min read
Vegas Sets a Razor-Thin Line for Iowa vs. Rutgers — But One Expert on an 11-2 Hot Streak Just Made His Shocking Pick!

A high-stakes Big Ten clash is set to explode under the Friday night lights as the undefeated Rutgers Scarlet Knights prepare to defend their home turf against the defensively formidable Iowa Hawkeyes. With both teams coming off massive blowout victories, this primetime showdown at SHI Stadium promises to be a true test of strength versus strength.

The visiting Iowa Hawkeyes, sitting at 2-1, are looking to build momentum after a crushing 47-7 victory over UMass in Week 3. While their record has a blemish, their defense has been nothing short of terrifying. The Hawkeyes' calling card in 2025 is a suffocating defensive unit that has permitted a measly 27 points through three contests. This iron curtain defense will be the key to their success as they head into a hostile environment in Piscataway.

On the other side stands the Rutgers Scarlet Knights, who have stormed out of the gate to a perfect 3-0 record. They are fresh off a 60-10 dismantling of Norfolk State, a game that put their offensive firepower on full display. At the heart of their success is quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis, who has been operating at an elite level, guiding the offense with precision and poise. The Scarlet Knights aren't just winning; they're dominating, and they're proving to be a tough out for any opponent, boasting a 2-1 record against the spread.

The Betting Battleground

The razor-thin betting line for this matchup tells the whole story. Oddsmakers have installed the Hawkeyes as minuscule 1.5-point favorites, making this game essentially a pick'em. The total for the game is set at 46.5 points, posing a classic question for bettors: will Iowa's lockdown defense stifle the Scarlet Knights' offense, or will Rutgers find a way to break through and turn this into a higher-scoring affair?

With the line so tight, many are turning to the experts for an edge, and one analyst is on an undeniable hot streak. SportsLine's Tom Fornelli has correctly predicted 11 of his last 13 college football picks, a remarkable run of success. His analysis delves deep into the stats and trends, and his pick for this crucial Big Ten battle is one that has bettors buzzing. Before you lock in any wagers for this primetime collision, seeing which side this red-hot expert is backing is an absolute must. The stage is set for a classic Big Ten slugfest where every yard will be earned.