New Era Pinstripe Bowl Prediction: Iowa Hawkeyes vs Boston College Eagles, 12–27–2017

Iowa Hawkeyes (7–5) vs Boston College Eagles (7–5)

Time: December, 27th 5:15 PM EST
Current Odds: Boston College +2.5, 45.5

The New Era Pinstripe Bowl features two physical football teams as the Iowa Hawkeyes take on the Boston College Eagles. While you may see spread offenses permeate the rest of the country, these two don’t have any problems lining up with multiple tight ends or a fullback and grinding down opponents.

Iowa has had its ups and downs out of the Big Ten this season. The Hawkeyes lost three close games to Penn State, Michigan State andNorthwestern. Iowa did pull off a signature win over Ohio State, 55–24 in November. QB Nate Stanley is not asked to be a playmaker in a run-first offense, but the sophomore has thrown for 24 touchdowns to just five interceptions on the season. Stanley will keep the Eagles defense honest as they can’t just focus on the run, if they do, Stanley could make them pay with play action.

Iowa features some stand out defensive players including LB Josey Jewel, one of the top linebackers in the nation who averages 11.4 tackles per game. Another impact player is CB Josh Jackson who is projected to go in the 1st round of the NFL Draft if he foregoes his senior season.

Boston College plays a similar run-first style offense as they usher out ACC Rookie of the Year, running back AJ Dillon. Dillon rushed for over 1,400 and 13 touchdowns as a freshman this season and you can expect him to receive some Heisman hype in 2018. The Eagles found themselves in a difficult spot when starting quarterback Anthony Brown suffered a knee injury that kept him out of the last three games of the season. Darius Wade has been solid in Brown’s absence, as he has completed 46-of-75 passes for 528 yards, two touchdowns and an interception this season.

Boston College played a tough schedule this season and managed to go 8–3 ATS on the year and 5–1 SU on the road. Iowa also played a tough Big 10 schedule but they went just 5–6–1 ATS on the season and 2–3 SU on the road.

This should be a hard-hitting game that is won in the trenches. Both offenses will be chewing up the clock running the football which is a reason why this game should play to Under the total. This game could come down to a FG but expect this game to go Under 45.5.

Iowa vs Boston College FREE Pick: Under 45.5