Top Sportsbooks’ insiders and online sports betting reviews are having a toss up between who will win the 2016 Rose Bowl. The line is currently -6.5 Stanford, but as heavy as favorites they might be, a large portion of experts are leaning towards an Iowa Hawkeyes upset. But why? Is that a smart bet? If you look at both teams closely you will see the writings on the wall. Both teams have a nice contrast in their style of play and matching them together will be interesting, to say the least.
Just barely missing out on being considered to make it to the College Football Playoffs, the Iowa Hawkeyes enter this game with the sole purpose of culminating a great season. Although the Hawkeyes might feel that they are not getting the recognition and respect they deserve. Not being selected by the ranking committee and now being snubbed by the Top Sportsbooks despite being ranked #5 over Stanford at #6, just add fuel to their fire. Iowa has the motivation to prove non-believers wrong. The key to Iowa’s possible success lies in the balance they have on offense and defense. This is a team that plays well on both sides of the ball. Defensively they are strong and offensively they are efficient. A perfect blend.
Stanford was out of the College Football Playoffs because of two upset losses to unranked teams, granted one was against the Oregon Ducks, but in paper Stanford is/was a much stronger team. The hopes of the Cardinal to win the Rose Bowl fall on what will running back Christian McCaffrey might be able to do if Iowa’s Defense lets him. This season has been has been historic for him as he broke Barry Sanders’ NCAA all-purpose yards record, and was a strong Heisman trophy candidate. However, despite McCaffrey’s best efforts, this game will be for the Cardinal’s defense to lose. Stanford’s defense is not solid and it has been an issue for them all season long. What top sportsbooks’ insiders considered to be Stanford’s biggest advantage is what McCaffrey is able to do, but he can’t prevent Iowa from scoring.
As you might have guessed we are also leaning towards an upset coming from Iowa. Despite what Top Sportsbooks might have lead us to believe, there is no way that Stanford will be able to stop Iowa. The Hawkeyes will have their hands-full with Stanford’s running game, but on offense, unless something strange happens, they will be able to keep the ball moving and scoring. In the end, if they capitalize on the Cardinal’s defects, this game could be all set by the third quarter. Final Score 28-20.
