College Football Week 5 Picks: Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Minnesota Golden Gophers

The Iowa Hawkeyes haven't allowed a first-half touchdown in their last three games, which is important to consider when making your college football Week 5 picks Saturday, as they take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers at TCF Bank Stadium.

Sports bettors will find that the Hawkeyes are two-point road favorites in the NCAA football odds, with the betting total sitting at 46.5 in the market.

Let's take a closer look at this Big Ten Conference matchup from a betting perspective while offering up a prediction along the way.

*Gambling stats via SBR Forum.

Iowa Hawkeyes

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The Iowa Hawkeyes are 6-8 in Big Ten Conference openers under the direction of head coach Kirk Ferentz. On Saturday, they'll look to improve on their 3-1 overall record during the 2013 campaign.

Over the last two-plus seasons, the Hawkeyes are 3-4 straight up and against the spread when the betting line is between +3 to -3, with the OVER going 6-1 in that situation.

Minnesota Golden Gophers

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The Minnesota Golden Gophers have opened up with a 4-0 record for a second consecutive season. They're coming off a 43-24 victory over the San Jose State Spartans as four-point home favorites last Saturday.

College football handicappers will find that the Golden Gophers are 10-7 straight up and against the spread at home since 2011.

Prediction

I'm going to recommend that readers back the Iowa Hawkeyes in the first half, as the Minnesota Golden Gophers are 2-6 against the spread in their last eight conference games.

College Football Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes Pick' Em First Half

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