Hold onto your helmets, college football fans, because Joel Klatt just dropped a prediction that’s bound to shake things up. No. 17 USC is heading to No. 21 Iowa, and Klatt believes the Hawkeyes will pull off a stunning upset. But here’s where it gets controversial: Klatt isn’t just picking Iowa to win—he’s betting on USC’s high-flying offense to crash and burn against Iowa’s stingy defense. Bold move, right?
This matchup isn’t just another game; it’s a battle between two one-loss teams still clinging to College Football Playoff hopes. USC, currently ranked first in the Big Ten in yards per game (503.2) and second in points per game (39.6), is a juggernaut on paper. Yet, Klatt argues that Iowa’s defense, which allows just 250.2 yards per game, will force USC into uncharted territory: long, grinding drives instead of their signature explosive plays. And this is the part most people miss: USC’s rushing defense has been a weak link all season, giving up 141.7 yards per game on the ground. Meanwhile, Iowa’s rushing attack is no joke, averaging 175.9 yards per game. If the Hawkeyes can control the clock and dominate the line of scrimmage, Klatt believes they’ll dictate the tempo and secure a 19-16 victory.
But let’s pause for a second—is Klatt underestimating Lincoln Riley’s offensive genius? Or is he spot-on in highlighting USC’s vulnerabilities? After all, Iowa’s run-heavy strategy worked against other teams, but can they replicate it against a powerhouse like USC? Klatt’s prediction isn’t just a hot take; it’s a challenge to conventional wisdom. What do you think? Is Iowa’s defense truly USC’s kryptonite, or will the Trojans prove Klatt wrong? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
Kickoff is set for Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on the Big Ten Network. Don’t miss what promises to be one of the most talked-about games of Week 12.
