Michigan State vs. Iowa Predictions, Odds

VegasInsider Staff Sports Betting Expert

6 minute read

• February 2, 2021
• By Thom Cunningham
• VegasInsider.com

The Michigan State Spartans take on the Iowa Hawkeyes in a huge Big Ten game. Both teams will look to get back into the win column with a 7 p.m. (ET) tip on FS1.

BETTING RESOURCES

• Expert Picks: Vegas Insiders
• Conference: Big Ten
• Venue: Carver-Hawkeye Arena
• Location: Iowa City, Iowa
• Date: Tuesday, February 2, 2021
• Time: 7:00 p.m. (ET)
• TV: FS1
• Bet: BetMGM | FanDuel | FOXBet |DraftKings | Best Sportsbooks

WHERE TO BET MICHIGAN STATE- IOWA

• Iowa
• Michigan
• Illinois
• West Virginia
• Virginia
• Indiana
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• Colorado

Michigan State-Iowa Betting Odds

Line Movements

• Spread: Iowa -8
• Money-Line: Iowa -500 Michigan State +400
• Total: 157.5

Odds Subject to Change

The Iowa Hawkeyes enter as the home favorite, given an -8-point spread although that line is quickly moving up. The Hawkeyes have covered 10 of 16 games this season, while Michigan State has failed to cover 11 of 14 games.

The point total is set at 157.5, a bit high although Iowa has the second-best offense nationally. Iowa has gone OVER in 10 of 16 games this season, while Michigan State is 6-8 on the O/U.

Betting Analysis – Michigan State Spartans

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 8-6
• ATS: 3-11
• SU - Home: 6-2
• SU - Away: 4-4
• O/U: 6-8

Michigan State's struggles continue, falling to Ohio State and now see just as many points allowed as they score. The Spartans are scoring 72 points per game, while giving up 71 - the latter ranks 221st in the nation.

Joey Hauser has been asked to step up on offense by coach Tom Izzo, averaging just 11.3 points per game. Junior Aaron Henry is the most consistent scorer for Michigan State, averaging 13 points per game.

The offensive struggles for Michigan State are very evident, ranking 235th or worst nationally in field goal percentage, two-point percentage and three-point percentage.

Henry also leads the team in steals per game (1.5) and blocks per game (1.4), although Marcus Bingham has ben blocking many shots as well. Michigan State does block shots, ranking 27th nationally in blocks per game.

Michigan State only averages 4.6 steals though, which ranks 332nd in the nation. Overall, both offense and defense needs to step up as there is no real excuse for the Spartans struggles other than just not being as good as the other Big Ten adversaries.

Betting Analysis – Iowa Hawkeyes

Straight Up - SU, Against the Spread - ATS, Over-Under (O/U)

• SU: 12-4
• ATS: 10-6
• SU - Home: 9-1
• SU - Away: 3-3
• O/U: 10-6

Iowa's offense should be able to win this game, posting the second-most points per game in the nation along with the second-highest offensive efficiency rating. Luka Garza and Joe Wieskamp continue to score at will, while players like Jordan Bohannon and Keegan Murray fill in the gaps.

Iowa's two-game skid shouldn't concern too many Iowa bettors, as the defense is always an issue. As good as Iowa is on offense, they're terrible on defense. Much like Michigan State, Iowa has length which leads to blocked shots but overall allow way too many points.

The Hawkeyes only average 6.2 steals per game, which ranks 210th in the nation. Even head coach Fran McCaffery has voiced his disgust in the Iowa defense, so Michigan State needs to take advantage and get the offense back on track.

Inside the Stats – Michigan State Spartans

• PS/G: 72.2 (167th)
• PA/G: 71.6 (221st)
• Off Rtg: 101.4 (190th)
• Def Rtg: 100.5 (221st)

Inside the Stats – Iowa Hawkeyes

• PS/G: 89.7 (2nd)
• PA/G: 74.1 (263rd)
• Off Rtg: 122.2 (2nd)
• Def Rtg: 101 (226th)

Key Players to Watch

• MSU - Aaron Henry (13.1 PPG, 5.5 RPG)
• MSU - Joey Hauser (11.3 PPG, 7.4 RPG)
• IOWA - Luka Garza (26.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG)
• IOWA - Joe Wieskamp (14.8 PPG, 6.5 RPG)

Michigan State-Iowa Predictions

It's pretty easy to go against Michigan State on the road, now facing a high-caliber offense that will be tough to keep pace with. The Hawkeyes are nearly unbeatable at home, and with the Spartans' struggles go with Iowa.

The writing is on the wall for this one. Michigan State is 3-11 on the ATS, while Iowa is 10-6. The safest bets, and playing the odds, points towards Iowa covering. Also feel free to take the OVER, and Iowa's 10-6 O/U this season. The thought here is that Iowa can top the 80-point threshold, averaging nearly 90 a game.

With both defenses playing lackluster, consider Iowa to touch 85 while the Spartans should linger within 10.

• Score Prediction: Iowa 85 Michigan State 73
• Best Bets: Iowa -8
• Best Bets: OVER

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