Troy vs. Iowa, UNI vs. Nebraska, Alabama vs. Wisconsin predictions: Gazette Pick ‘Ems for Sept. 14 college football games

The Gazette’s Pick ‘Ems for Week 3 of the 2024 college football season, as Iowa and Wisconsin both ... host teams from Alabama ... and UNI visits Nebraska.

Troy (0-2) at Iowa (1-1)

3 p.m. Saturday (FS1)

Line: Iowa -22.5

Mike Hlas (2-1, 4-2) — “Troy Iowa” is the name I always use on company business when I check into the budget motels they book for me. I’ve learned to drift off to sleep to the sounds of freeway traffic and the aroma of kielbasa and onions being grilled in the room next door. Iowa 42, Troy 12

John Steppe (2-1, 5-1) — Iowa football* had a great second half last weekend. (*What other countries refer to as football.) Dave DiIanni’s Iowa soccer team (4-0-2) is off to a fantastic start this year. Iowa 28, Troy 3

Jeff Johnson (1-2, 4-2) — It used to be called Troy State. But in 2004, the school’s board of trustees lost the State to “better reflect the institution’s worldwide mission.” Now you know. Iowa 38, Troy (State) 0

Rob Gray (2-1, 5-1) — The Hawks will respond after last weekend’s Cy-Hawk loss. Troy won’t be able to stop the run and Iowa’s defense will be strong for 60 minutes. Iowa 31, Troy 10

Beth Malicki (2-1, 4-2) — ‘Kids’ these days are better at boundaries than we were. I made a snarky comment on my adult daughter’s TikTok and now I’m banned for life. Lesson learned. Iowa 34, Troy 13

Todd Brommelkamp (1-2, 3-3) — “I’ve been down this road once or twice before. Just gettin’ by is my stock in trade.” Walker, Jerry Jeff. “Gettin’ By. ”Viva Terlingua. MCA Records, 1973. Iowa 35, Troy 3

UNI (2-0) at No. 23 Nebraska (2-0)

6:30 p.m. Saturday (BTN)

Line: Nebraska -32.5

Hlas — UNI plays at Nebraska this Saturday and at Hawaii next Saturday. I volunteered to cover one of those two games. I even offered to pay for the surfboard rental. Nebraska 35, UNI 34

Steppe — I don’t see an upset happening in Lincoln. But if UNI scores a touchdown before the fourth quarter, Mark Farley will at least have accomplished something Deion Sanders couldn’t do last week. Nebraska 34, UNI 10

Johnson — UNI is catching Nebraska at the perfect time, coming off an emotional win over Colorado. That ought to keep the spread within 40. Nebraska 42, UNI 7

Gray — Mark Farley’s boys will not have fun in Lincoln, but it is a fundraising trip after all. Main goal: Stay as healthy as possible. Nebraska 45, UNI 0

Malicki — I watched the MTV Video Music Awards this week and had to look up 98 percent of the artists. Then Flavor Flav hit the stage and I was reassured by the knowledge that he’s 65. Nebraska 38, UNI 13

Brommelkamp — With one of the best rushing attacks in FCS, the Panthers are hoping to take the money and run in this one. They’ll have to settle for the really big check. Nebraska 44, UNI 7

No. 4 Alabama (2-0) at Wisconsin (2-0)

11 a.m. Saturday (Fox)

Line: Alabama -16

Hlas — Beth Malicki really pushed my buttons the other night at our debate, claiming people are leaving my rallies early because of exhaustion and boredom. Hey, they had enough energy left to leave, didn’t they? Alabama 16, Wisconsin 6

Steppe — I thought of a joke for this pick, but then I got distracted thinking about cheese curds. Alabama 34, Wisconsin 21

Johnson — Both of these states have a town called Hartford. But only one has a Milwaukee. Alabama 24, Wisconsin 10

Gray — The Badgers will hang in there for the first quarter or so, but will wilt as Alabama’s depth chips away at their resolve. Alabama 38, Wisconsin 13

Malicki — I hope these Alabama players get to eat their weight in cheese curds, because that would be my dream if I were in the Badger State. Alabama 24, Wisconsin 20

Brommelkamp — Another Big Ten team with an inconsistent offense and QB issues facing a team from Alabama? At least the Hawkeyes aren’t facing Jalen Milroe and the Crimson Tide on Saturday. Alabama 31, Wisconsin 12