Iowa will host Northwestern Saturday at Wrigley Field, and if the oddsmakers are right, it will be a very low-scoring game.
How low? The Athletic reported Sunday the opening over-under for the game is 29.5 points.
As the report notes, “It’s the lowest over/under in history.”
How is it possible in this age of wide-open FBS offenses to have a game with such a low over-under? Frankly, both offenses are challenged. The Wildcats have averaged 21.8 points per game this season. Iowa is even worse, at 19.5 points per game.
The Hawkeyes also have the ignominious distinction of ranking dead last among FBS teams in total yards per game (232.4). In fact, the Hawkeyes have been so inept offensively the past couple of seasons, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz — son of head coach Kirk Ferentz — had a new contract stipulation put in before the season. The Hawkeyes must average 25 points per game this season for him to keep his job.
Thus far, it’s not looking good for the embattled OC, and if you believe the oddsmakers, Saturday’s game won’t help that PPG average.
Fans had plenty to say on the historic Iowa-Northwestern line.
Watch, it’ll be 34-30 and heads will explode
— SouthpawTodd (@850elitefitness) October 29, 2023
Not a chance. Their 5 B10 games totals were 31, 42, 34, 21, 22
— Titanic Captain (@CaptainTitanic_) October 30, 2023
highest scoring game at wrigley so far this year … can they do it? pic.twitter.com/9sPlVkBprL
— Kurt Ritzman (@kurt_ritzman) October 29, 2023
The under pic.twitter.com/XQh2JV3Vll
— Viola Institute of Advanced Shenanigans (@thegax) October 30, 2023
This is Brian Ferentz’ best and only shot to make daddy proud
— SouthpawTodd (@850elitefitness) October 30, 2023
not falling for it, hammer the under
— Matt (@cp10101010) October 29, 2023