New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa Hawkeyes at Boston College Eagles
Iowa and Boston College Look to be Evenly Matched
The Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) will meet the Boston College Eagles on Dec 27 at 5:15 p.m. E.T. in Manhattan to play in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. The Hawkeyes finished fourth in the Big Ten West with a record of 4-5. Iowa, which was 3-2 over their last five games, ended the regular season with a 56-14 win over Nebraska. The Eagles, who were 4-4 in the ACC and finished third in the West Division, won their final two games of the season. They too were 3-2 for their last five contests. Our Iowa plays Boston College 2017 Pinstripe Bowl pick has Boston College at either +2.5 or +3.0 and the over/under at 45.0.
Iowa Overview
Of the Hawkeye’s 340 yards of offense per game, 142 are on the ground. They’re scoring 28.3 PPG. Nathan Stanley (56.0 COMP%, 25 TDs, 6 INTs), Iowa’s sophomore quarterback, is a sound pocket passer. Although WR Nick Easley (50 REC, 498 YDs, 10.0 AVG, 4 TDs) leads the team in receptions, TE Noah Fant (28 REC, 486 YDs, 17.4 AVG, 10 TDs) tops all receivers in touchdown catches. Senior RB Akrum Wadley (230 ATT, 1,021 YDs, 4.4 AVG, 9 TDs) is the primary ground gainer, providing a dynamic balance to the Iowa passing game.
The defense is giving up just 19.9 PPG. Of the 355 yards they are allowing opponents, 213 is in the air and 142 on the ground. DB Joshua Jackson is a major force, grabbing seven picks and 18 PD. The team has 19 picks and 68 PD. The Hawkeyes have accumulated 27 sacks and 59 TFL.
Hawkeyes Summary
- Productive passing offense
- Sound ground attack
- Defense has stopping power
Boston College Overview
The Eagle running game averages 225 YPG, while their pass attack is good for 169 YPG. On average, BC is putting 26.2 PPG on the scoreboard. The Eagle rush attack is anchored by freshman A.J. Dillon (268 ATT, 1,432 YDs, 5.3 AVG, 13 TDs) and includes important contributions from junior Jon Hilliman (162 ATT, 622 YDs, 3.8 AVG, 5 TDs). BC lost freshman QB Anthony Brown late in the season. Senior signal caller Darius Wade (61.3 COMP%, 2 TDs, 1 INT) has done a fine job replacing him. A trio of receivers, each with 23 or more catches, are sound and productive targets.
The Eagle’s defense is giving up 198 YPG to opponent ground attacks. That is a disconcerting stat. They are also allowing 200 YPG through the air. Teams are scoring on average 22.5 PPG. DB Lukas Denis comes into this game with seven picks and nine PD; both are tops for this team, which has grabbed a total of 18 interceptions and defended 50 passes. Sacks for the D total 21 and TFL are at 68. LB Ty Schwab is a difference-maker. He has 101 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 8.5 TFL, as well as two picks and one FF. DE Zach Allen is second in tackles with 93 and first in TFL with 14.5.
Eagles Summary
- Ground attack is their primary offensive weapon
- Fine pass D
- Defense can pressure QBs and trip up runners
Three New Era Pinstripe Bowl Takeaways
In creating our Iowa plays Boston College 2017 Pinstripe Bowl pick, we see the three factors listed below as being important-
- BC pass D versus Iowa passing offense- close call
- Hawkeyes have QB edge
- BC running back edge
Our Pinstripe Bowl Pick
In developing our Iowa plays Boston College 2017 Pinstripe Bowl pick, we find both teams have a lot to offer on both sides of the ball. Quarterback experience could be the difference, and if so we like Iowa. But the BC defense could disrupt the Hawkeye offense enough to snag a win. We are taking the over, which is low at 45.0. As far as the spread goes, we are taking the Eagles at +3.0. We think their rush attack will prevail and their defense will come through.
Summary Iowa Plays Boston College Picks- Boston College at +3.0 and over 45.0
