The big game between the Northern Iowa Panthers and the Grand Canyon Cyclones is a matchup of two undefeated teams, but which team will win the showdown in Cedar Rapids on Saturday? Below we will investigate the odds and analyze some key matchups that will impact the outcome of the game.
The Best Betting Strategy
You can’t go wrong with backing the visiting team in any sport, and that’s especially the case when the home team is a powerhouse like Northern Iowa. The Panthers are undefeated, with eleven wins and no losses, and they are coming off a huge win over Missouri last week. In addition, the Panthers are averaging 41.6 points per game, while their opponents are giving up 37.5 points per game. If you look at the betting line, you’ll see that the odds are in favor of the Panthers.
However, that doesn’t mean you should bet the bank on them. Instead, you should look at the matchup and see how the teams stack up, because at this point in the season, neither team is vulnerable. For instance, the opposing teams’ quarterback stats are nearly identical, with Nate Stanley having thrown for 1,741 yards and 20 touchdowns while picking up only five interceptions. The teams’ running backs are also both undefeated, albeit in different conferences, with Allen Steele running for 1,089 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Panthers and John Kowalczyk doing the same for the Indians.
The point is that neither team is at their best, and this is a prime example of why backing the underdog is always a good bet. One other thing to keep in mind is that this is a Friday night game, so there will be a lot of energy in the crowd. That means more opportunities for you as a bettor to make some money, so don’t be afraid to jump on the underdogs if you see them as a good bet.
Key Matchups To Watch
There are a few key matchups in this game that you should keep an eye on. One is safety Jordan Reid, who is tied for the national lead in interceptions with five. His stats don’t tell the whole story, however, as he is also a sure tackler whose tackling has been exceptional. If you are looking for an interception, you’ll likely have to come up with a long ball, because he’s going to be picking off everything in sight. In addition, don’t sleep on quarterback Nate Stanley, who has been phenomenal this season, with 3,600 yards and 28 touchdowns against only four interceptions. The other two matchups to keep an eye on are the Indian wide receiver Seth Cooney vs. the Panther linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley and the defensive end Ja’Wendell Williams vs. the center Ryan Knapika. Here is a short analysis of each matchup.
Seth Cooney vs. Ja’Whaun Bentley
Seth Cooney is the star of the Iowa football team, and he is one of the best receivers in the Big Ten. He has 12 touchdown catches this season, which is tied for first in the Big Ten and 16th in the country. All of this while playing in arguably the best conference in the country. Now, he is going up against the number two cornerback in the Big Ten, Ja’Whaun Bentley.
Bentley has been very good this season, especially considering the limited reps he got in 2017. He has only two interceptions on the year, but both came in Big Ten play. One was against the University of Michigan and the other was against Indiana. His coverage has been outstanding, especially considering he is only five feet ten inches tall. If Cooney is going to match up with anyone, it will likely be Bentley. This is also a crucial game for the receiver, as he is looking to prove to the coaches and teammates that he is ready to step up and lead the team. A win here means a lot for his confidence and the Panthers’ chances at winning the game.
Ja’Wendell Williams vs. Ryan Knapika
Ja’Wendell Williams is another defensive lineman who has been absolutely phenomenal this year for the Panthers. He has 9.5 sacks, the most in the nation, and 21.5 tackles for loss, which is third in the nation. This guy is athletic enough to play any position on the line, but he is mainly playing the defensive end position because he is so quick and skilled at rushing the passer. His matchup against the center, Ryan Knapika, is an important one, because he is the one who is responsible for giving the ball to the quarterback. A great pass rusher can really ruin an offense’s day, and if Knapika does his job correctly, this game will be over before it even starts.
Knapika is a huge part of the reason why the Panthers are undefeated this year, with 14.5 points per game. He is responsible for giving the ball to the quarterback, which means he will have to play tough versus Williams, who has eight and a half sacks this year. A win here for Williams would be huge, as it would give him the confidence to continue wreaking havoc on the other team’s offense. A loss, on the other hand, would be devastating for a team that is ranked eighth in the country.
Final Analysis
Based on the above, backing the underdog here is a no-brainer. The Panthers are a great team, but they are also going through a rough patch right now, which makes Grand Canyon a perfect pick. Beating the spread is always nice, but making huge profits on this game is possible, especially if the lines move in your direction. As always, be smart about how much you wager and always try to avoid betting on teams you aren’t familiar with, because there are always risks involved when you do that. Don’t forget to check the health and morale of your chosen teams before you make any kind of wager, because there is always the chance of injury that could end your winning streak! Good luck out there.