This might be the most "Big Ten" point total of the year. Iowa's offense is averaging 5.36 yards per play in November, which isn't exactly terrible and certainly enough for at least three touchdowns. A 24-21 game easily pushes this one Over, which is exactly the kind of game I expect.

These are two of the worst offenses in the nation, not just the Big Ten. Iowa has turned to backup quarterback Alex Padilla to try to change its fortunes. The Hawkeyes had been using opponents’ turnovers to fuel their offense, but that has not happened as much lately. Illinois will be without head coach Bret Bielema due to a positive COVID-19 test.

Normally, with an ultra-low total (38), a double-digit underdog is attractive. Not so here. Illinois has averaged a measly 11 points in its last seven meetings against Power Five opponents and goes against a nasty defense ranked 13th in FBS. Illini coach Bret Bielema, a big man with a big in-game influence on the sideline, is out after contracting COVID-19. Iowa is no offensive juggernaut but broke out of a scoring drought with 27 against Minnesota last week.