Iowa is in a bit of rebuilding mode, off to a 4-5 start after losing most key contributors from a club that won 22 games last season. The Hawkeyes have a 33-point loss to Virginia and a defeat to Omaha on their ledger, but they have a chance to get on track with a strong performance against rival Iowa State. The Cyclones have two losses by three combined points, and are led by one of the country’s best playmakers in Monte Morris. But the Hawkeyes should slow Iowa State's rhythm a bit and stay in the game until the end.

Iowa has had some growing pains after four senior starters departed and the biggest issue so far has been defense, where they're allowing 83 ppg and 45 percent shooting from the field. Things got so bad Saturday that they lost at home to Omaha as 11-point favorites. What the Hawkeyes have done well is get games Over the total. They average 86 ppg and it's helped four of six games with totals offered go Over. Iowa State averages 86 ppg and wants to fire shots up quickly. And, the last eight meetings have gone Over.