College Football Preseason Odds – Can Iowa Win Big Ten?

Last year, the Iowa Hawkeyes came into the year as an underdog in the college football preseason odds to win the Big Ten. But they almost got it done before losing to Ohio State in a league-deciding game without starting QB Ricky Stanzi, who got hurt in their other loss to Northwestern.

But the Hawkeyes finished the year strong in beating Georgia Tech in the Orange Bowl. Now, the Hawkeyes are reloaded and ready to make a run at the Big Ten Title with the college football preseason odds more in their favor.

Iowa gets Stanzi back at QB along with one of the best defensive lines in the country and a great wide receiving corps. The current odds have Iowa at +350 to win the Big Ten, far better odds than the favorite, Ohio State, who is listed at -250.

But Iowa might have just as good a chance to win the league this year with all of the talent they have coming back. For starters, Adrian Clayborn is back at defensive end. Some are calling him a Ndamukong Suh-type talent at the position as he is both big and powerful as well as athletic. He could have been a top five pick but now he is back to lead the Hawkeyes, who might have the best d-line in the conference.
Iowa has always won in the trenches and this year will be no different.

Playmakers are present at safety (Tyler Sash and Brett Greenwood), linebacker (Jeremiah Hunter), as well on defense despite a few holes or new starters. The defense should be strong again. But the offense is what really has folks fired up in Iowa City. Stanzi is not a big numbers guy but he is the type of athletic, smart game manager who can win titles, if he plays within himself that is. He is a winner but he needs to stay healthy and cut down on mistakes for Iowa to make a run.

Jewel Hampton could return to provide a big boost at tailback and Derrell Johnson-Koulianos is in position to become Iowa’s all-time leading receiver this year. Iowa gets Ohio State at home and could have the inside track to winning the possible title contest with a healthy Stanzi this time around.

At +350 college football preseason odds and with a favorable schedule, Iowa is an intriguing pre-season pick.
The college football preseason odds for the Hawkeyes to win the Big Ten Title are a good bet this year because of the team’s experience and that’s why Iowa is worth a look going into the 2010 season for betting fans.