Indiana overwhelmingly picked over Iowa by College GameDay podcast

Nobody opened more eyes last week than Indiana, hanging 63 points on Illinois in a ranked matchup. Curt Cignetti now takes his team on the road for another test against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Known for their defense under Phil Parker, could the Hoosiers be in trouble?

The College GameDay Podcast says so. All three of Rece Davis, Ryan McGee, and Pete Thamel predicted Indiana to get the win on Saturday. Although none believe it’s possible to replicate what they did against Illinois, with McGee first up to explain his logic.

“I don’t think you can put together two perfect games in a row,” McGee said. “Because Illinois is good… I don’t know if you can put two perfect games like that. But right now, I think Indiana believes and I think that’s the pick.”

Last season’s storyline surrounding IU involved the schedule. Not up with other teams when it came to the strength, Davis wanted to point out that the narrative is different this go-round. Kinnick Stadium is among one of the toughest environments in the Big Ten. Indiana heads there between two ranked foes and, in Davis’ mind, goes into Oregon still undefeated.

“I think Indiana wins it easily by beating Iowa standards,” Davis said. ” … They won’t be able to duplicate that performance because that was a once-in-a-season type performance where you do everything perfectly… Indiana gets a road win at Iowa.”

Thamel actually gave himself a pat on the back for picking Indiana to make the College Football Playoff this season. The marriage between Cignetti and quarterback Fernando Mendoza is working out perfectly in his mind, finding a way to “engineer offense.” The Hooisers by two score in Thamel’s mind.

“Do I think they’re going to go to Iowa and score 63 points? No, I don’t,” Thamel said. “Do I think they will win? Yes… There’s no earthly way I can pick against Indiana right now. I think they win by two touchdowns.”

If Indiana can pull off the win, this will be the second consecutive season of starting at least 2-0 in Big Ten play. For reference, the program won a total of three conference games in the final three years of Tom Allen’s tenure. Cignetti’s turnaround in Bloomington continues to be incredible on multiple fronts. He wants the magic to continue, though. Winning in Iowa City is next on the agenda and the ESPN trio has them in them.