Jerod Ringwald
Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta fights for extra yards during a football game between Iowa and Maryland at Maryland Stadium on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The Hawkeyes defeated the Terrapins 51-14.
The Daily Iowan football staff picks five football games every week as part of our Pregame edition. Read how the staff picked the Iowa-Illinois matchup — as well as four other contests — below.
Illinois vs. No. 17 Iowa
Robert Read, Pregame Editor (29-21): Iowa — Let Bielema Zoom-coach from the sideline.
Austin Hanson, Sports Editor (33-17): Iowa — Iowa’s wheelin’ and Padealin’ now.
Chloe Peterson, Assistant Sports Editor (27-23): Iowa — I’d love to be in Hlastrodamus but Illinois would be a stupid pick.
Chris Werner, Football Reporter (25-25): Iowa — Padilla is undefeated as a starter.
Destinee Cook, DITV Sports Director (28-22): Iowa — Idc how they win at this point.
John Bohnenkamp, Sports Writing Coach (31-19): Iowa — Hawkeyes go out winners at home.
Jason Brummond, Publisher (33-17): Iowa — Iowa hasn’t lost to Illinois in Kinnick since ‘99.
No. 7 Michigan State vs. No. 4 Ohio State
Read: Ohio State — The Spartans will actually be ranked above the Wolverines after this loss.
Hanson: Ohio State — Michigan State and Iowa both have Purdue disease.
Peterson: Ohio State — I could’ve gone to a top-five football school, but I picked ~corn~ instead.
Werner: Ohio State — The Buckeyes still run the conference.
Cook: Ohio State — They beat Purdue. Good for them.
Bohnenkamp: Ohio State — Buckeyes are clearly the best team in the East.
Brummond: Ohio State — Sparty, it was fun while it lasted.
Iowa State vs. No. 13 Oklahoma
Read: Iowa State — The Cyclones, for whatever reason, are good at beating the Sooners.
Hanson: Iowa State — How does Iowa State always win this game?
Peterson: Iowa State — Oklahoma’s midseason tailspin starts now.
Werner: Oklahoma — How does Iowa State have four losses? Lol.
Cook: Iowa State — Bye boomer (I’m still a Caleb Williams fan despite last weekend).
Bohnenkamp: Oklahoma — Cyclones could end the season with five losses.
Brummond: Oklahoma — Ames’ greatest team is in trouble.
SMU vs. No. 5 Cincinnati
Read: Cincinnati — How much does Gary Barta want the Bearcats to lose?
Hanson: Cincinnati — I still don’t think the Bearcats belong in the CFP.
Peterson: Cincinnati — I saw a bear in the woods once.
Werner: Cincinnati — Again, shout out Shivansh.
Cook: Cincinnati — I’m sorry for the disrespect you’ve been through this season.
Bohnenkamp: Cincinnati — Still trying to make a playoff case.
Brummond: Cincinnati — “Set aside watching the games,” what more can Cincy do?
No. 3 Oregon vs. No. 23 Utah
Read: Utah — Utah beat Stanford, 52-7. Stanford beat Oregon earlier this season.
Hanson: Utah — At least these teams are in the ~Alliance~.
Peterson: Oregon — Sedona Prince sighting except it’s in Utah, and it’s football.
Werner: Oregon — This game is on too late for me.
Cook: Oregon — I’ll never forget Oregon lost to Stanford this season.
Bohnenkamp: Oregon — A Ducks’ road win helps the CFP cause.
Brummond: Utah — Pac-12 chaos is the best chaos.