The Pants Predicts: Week 7 College Football Games

Last week, we didn’t think there was any chance the Hawkeyes might lose against a hapless Minnesota team. They started a true freshman at QB and were missing their best players on both sides of the ball. While the Gophers put up a ton more points than any of us would’ve expected, a Hawkeye victory wasn’t ever really in doubt.

This week, we’re still pretty bullish on Iowa - all of us (who actually made picks) have them winning in Bloomington this Saturday. However, we all expect a close game, and we probably wouldn’t be surprised if this one went the other way, particularly with the amount of attrition Iowa is dealing with behind their front four on defense. We still like Iowa in this one, of course. But can they pull it out?

Onto the picks.

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Iowa at Indiana

Max Brekke: I picked Iowa to win this one on the podcast. I think it’ll be a close one because of all the injuries, but unfortunately it’s something Iowa just has to deal with. Iowa 30, Indiana 22.

Ben: 31-27 Iowa

Doug: While the injuries and inexperience in the back half of the defense scares me against the Indiana aerial attack. I believe that the OC has done a much better job game planning against specific opponents this year rather than just doing it the “Iowa” way. Offense and DL lead the Hawks to a victory 35-24.

BoilerHawk: It’s going to be a frustrating game to watch because I expect Indiana to take advantage of Iowa’s inexperience on defense. I trust that Brian knows the path to victory means a quick start and letting the defense play from ahead. 34-28, Iowa

Trez: This is going to be a rough game (as most are) and our inexperienced D is going to be tested. It’s going to be home many times we bend, but don’t break that is going to be the key. The good guys win in a shootout: Iowa 38 Indiana 34

Jordan Hansen: This is definitely Jordan Hansen making his own picks and not anyone else. I wish I would have gone to IU instead of Iowa, probably, and my biggest hero is Bob Knight, just ahead of Kevin Durant, who I love very much. Indiana 38, Iowa 17.

Hello Jerry: Injuries happen, but I’m glad that they are on the defensive side of the ball because I trust Phil Parker. Iowa wins and covers, 42-31.

Mattcabel: Iowa in a game that’s way too close for way too long, 21-17.

JPinIC: I’m certainly nervous about this one. I have visions of Peyton Ramsey picking apart this defense with underneath routes to stay ahead of the chains, then catching one of the rookie corners sleeping on a deep route here or there. But I don’t have any visions of this defense being able to stop the Iowa offense (when is the last time you heard someone say that?). If Brian sticks in the same zip code as what we saw a week ago, I think the Hawkeyes can put up 30+. 38-31 Iowa.

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#15 Wisconsin at #12 Michigan

Max: Wisconsin breaks the hearts of every Iowa fan, defeats Wolverines in Ann Arbor. Wisconsin 20, Michigan 14.

Ben: 27-17 Michigan

Doug: This is a good game to gauge where each team really stands in 2018. I like Michigan to prevail in a close game 21-20.

Boiler: It’s a wild line and I get the sense that Michigan will be able to do what Iowa couldn’t. Wisconsin has a little bit of a sheep in wolf’s clothing feel to them. 28-24, Michigan

Trez: Another game I wish both could lose. Does a Wiscy win make us look better? Probably, but I don’t see it happening. Michigan 31, Wiscy 21.

Jordan Hansen: This is definitely Jordan Hansen making his own picks and not anyone else. Wisconsin is a better team than Iowa. They’ll lose this game, but know that it doesn’t matter because we’re all going to die one way or another. Michigan 53, Wisconsin 4.

Hello Jerry: It’s about damn time Wisconsin loses another one. Give me the Fighting Harbaugh’s at home, 24-21.

Mattcabel: Wisconsin wins because Iowa fans can never have nice things. 31-24, Badgers.

JPinIC: This one is tough for me only because I don’t really believe eitehr of these teams is really a top-15 team. Watching Michigan struggle with Northwestern makes me think they lose this one, and Alex Hornibrook looking like a semi-serviceable QB finally leads me to believe they can get this done. But that Wisconsin defense is not your typical Wisconsin defense. Michigan 27, Wisconsin 24.

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#6 West Virginia at Iowa State

Max: We’re picking this one solely because it’s not the Oregon game I initially set us up to pick. Don’t think it’ll be close, as Will Grier shreds another Big 12 defense. West Virginia 47, Iowa State 28.

Ben: 55-6 West Va

Doug: Iowa State can’t compete with the offensive onslaught coming from West Virginia but the will put up some points. WV wins 62-28.

Boiler: I actually think it’ll be West Virginia’s defense which impresses in this game, though home field advantage will keep Iowa State in it into the second half. 31-17, West Virginia

Trez: ISU is going to be pumped up and hang tough until WV pulls away late. Though I do think it’ll be closer than the score final shows. WV 41, ISU 28.

Jordan Hansen: This is definitely Jordan Hansen making his own picks and not anyone else. I love Iowa State. Wish I were a Cyclone. Hilton Magic is going to win this game for my ‘Clones and then we’re going to be ranked or else it’s rigged!! BOOOOOOOOO!!! Iowa State 100, West Virginia -6.

Hello Jerry: West Virginia might score 40-points by half time. I’ll take the Mountaineers 58-17.

Mattcabel: lulz. West Virginia 56, ISU 17

JPinIC: I…… I think I’m rooting for ISU here? Which is exactly why they’ll have a massive letdown following their upset a week ago. God damnit Iowa State. 44-31 West Virginia.

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#2 Georgia at #13 LSU

Max: No matter what happens, Alabama will win the SEC and the National Championship. Who cares? Georgia 31, LSU 14.

Ben: 44-12 Dawgs

Doug: LSU will need to win the turnover battle by a big number to win this one, even at home in Death Valley. Georgia is too strong and they win by two touchdowns 34-20.

Boiler: I’m hesitant to pick against LSU at home but think Georgia has a gear few teams can reach. It’ll probably be the best game of the week. 33-31, Georgia

Trez: I say this every time GA is on our predictions, but I really need them to win so I don’t have to deal with their fans moaning and groaning for a week. GA 42, LSU 24.

Jordan Hansen: This is definitely Jordan Hansen making his own picks and not anyone else. S-E-C! S-E-C! S-E-C! ROLLLLLL TIDE. Georgia 24, LSU 21, and my TIGERS are gonna rise in the rankings after a STRONG loss!

Hello Jerry: I can’t wait for this game. I think LSU can keep it close with their defense for most of the game, but a late touchdown by the Dawgs puts them over the top, 27-21.

Mattcabel: I love Coach O but Georgia is too good. This one is probably a slog. 21-14 Dawgs.

JPinIC: Georgia is damn good. LSU is just good. 31-17 Georgia.