Iowa football vs. Northern Iowa expert predictions nationally

One week after a hard-to-predict Cy-Hawk game, things should be a bit easier for the experts on Saturday.

Iowa is back in action as it hosts in-state rival Northern Iowa at 3 p.m. CST. The Hawkeyes find themselves as near-40-point favorites against the FCS Panthers. While Iowa should be the favorite in this game, UNI is going to make sure they earn it.

The Panthers' roster is filled with native Iowans. This game will mean a ton to them as they look to shock the college football world. Kirk Ferentz will need to make sure his team is focused on handling their business in front of them before shifting attention to Big Ten play next week. A win today would give Iowa a perfect 3-0 start to the season and start some interesting conversations about postseason hopes.

College football experts have put their predictions in for this game. Do they have Iowa getting the win and remaining undefeated? Or is anyone brave enough to call for the upset?

Here's a look at some of their predictions:

Iowa vs. Northern Iowa expert predictions

Sports Illustrated : Iowa 41, Northern Iowa 3. Riley Donald of Sports Illustrated is picking a big Hawkeye win:

"Iowa uses a big second quarter to put this one away with some big plays and good-looking drives to build confidence before entering the half with a comfortable lead. Look for the Hawkeyes to get guys out of this one early to rest them, while also getting valuable reps for young guys." - Riley Donald, Sports Illustrated

College Football News : Iowa 37, Northern Iowa 13. Pete Fiutak of College Football News is rolling with the Hawkeyes to get a win:

"Iowa (2-0) always has to gear up for rivalry games, even against a Northern Iowa (1-1) that has enough offense to do at least as much as Iowa State did in the 16-13 Hawkeye win last week. But It's Iowa – it'll efficiently get through this and move on." Pete Fiutak, College Football News

Athlon Sports : All three experts at Athlon Sports picked the Hawkeyes to get the victory in this game.

Bleacher Report : Iowa 38, Northern Iowa 10. David Kenyon of Bleacher Report is picking Iowa to win, but UNI to cover the spread.

Best photos from Iowa football's 16-13 Cy-Hawk Series win vs. Iowa State

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