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A rematch of last year’s Citrus Bowl will take place in Nashville on New Year’s Eve, where Kentucky takes on Iowa. This will be the 7th consecutive bowl game appearance for the Wildcats under Mark Stoops. Iowa will make their 9th appearance in the last decade under Kirk Ferentz.
When: Saturday, December 31st @ 12:00 PM ET
Where: Nashville, Tennessee
Who: Iowa vs. Kentucky
Spread & Total: Iowa -2.5; O/U 31
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Tale of the Take: Iowa Hawkeyes
If punts are highly frowned upon in your household, there is zero chance you had the Iowa Hawkeyes on your television. The offense is putrid. They nearly committed more turnovers (17) than offensive touchdowns (18). And they will be will be on their QB3 for this one; starting quarterback Spencer Petras is injured and shut down for the season, while backup Alex Padilla is in the transfer portal. QB3 for the Hawkeyes is Joey Labas, who did not attempt a pass this season. Kaleb Johnson leads the running back room (762 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns).
The Hawkeyes defense is a different story. 4 rushing touchdowns allowed is the lowest mark across FBS. They allow just 2.9 YPC on the ground, 3rd best mark via the run. 5.5 yards per pass attempt is the 2nd best mark in the country, only being bested by Army. And they have picked off opposing quarterbacks as many times as they’ve allowed a touchdown (13). A number to keep an eye on for Iowa is 14: Iowa is 0-3 when their opponent tops 14 points (7-2 when opponents fail to score 14 points).
Opt Outs: N/A
Transfer Portal Departures:
QB Alex Padilla (Backup)
RB Gavin Williams
WR Arnold Bruce IV
WR Keagan Johnson
OL Josh Volk
LB Jestin Jacobs
CB Terry Roberts
S Reggie Bracy
Players to Know:
TE Sam LaPorta
First Team All-Big Ten. Led team with 53 receptions for 601 yards and a touchdown. Named Kwalick-Clark Tight End of the Year (Top Big Ten Tight End)
LB Jack Campbell
First Team All-Big Ten. Led the team with 115 tackles (3.5 for loss). Named Butkus-Fitzgerald Linebacker of the Year (Top Big Ten Linebacker)
Tale of the Tape: Kentucky Wildcats
The offense of Kentucky is not great, and they will be without starting quarterback Will Levis as he prepares for the NFL Draft. It doesn’t stop their for Kentucky: they’ll also be without their top two backs in Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke. No one dressing for the Music City Bowl on Kentucky’s roster has scored a rushing touchdown this season. The assumed leading back – JuTahn McClain – has just 238 rushing yards on the season. Kentucky will either start Kaiya Sheron or Destin Wade to replace Levis.
Kentucky does have a strong defense, only trailing Georgia and Alabama in SEC defensive scoring. The Wildcats have intercepted opposing quarterbacks (10) more than they have allowed passing touchdowns. They are one of ten teams to have more defensive interceptions than passing touchdowns allowed.
Opt Outs:
QB Will Levis
(2,406 passing yards, 8.5 YPA, 65.4% completion rate; 19 touchdowns to 10 interceptions)
RB Chris Rodriguez
(175 carries for 904 rushing yards and 6 touchdowns)
CB Carrington Valentine
(46 tackles; 9 pass deflections led the team)
Transfer Portal Departures:
RB Kavosiey Smoke (2nd string RB; 58 carries for 277 yards and a touchdown)
WR Chris Lewis
WR Chauncey Magwood
TE Keaton Upshaw
WR DeMarcus Harris
G John Young
OT Kiyaunta Goodwin
Player to Know:
LB Keidron Smith
All-SEC Second Team. 44 tackles, 4 pass deflections. 2 interceptions, returning one for a touchdown. Forced and recovered a fumble
WR Dane Key
True freshman finished 3rd on the team with 31 receptions, 2nd with 472 receiving yards, and the team lead with 6 touchdowns
Bowl Game Trends:
- Kentucky has won their last four bowl games with Mark Stoops
- Mark Stoops has won his last 20 games against non-conference opponents
- Stoops: 19-49 SU as an underdog (27.9%)
Game Synopsis:
This will be a slow, low scoring game. Both offenses are bad, without a starting quarterback, and in the bottom-10 for tempo. Iowa is on their third-string quarterback, while Kentucky is on their backup. Not to mention both teams rely heavily on their defense to pull out wins. The one catch for the Hawkeyes is Kentucky’s run defense was their weak spot. Iowa returns their top two rushers for this game, and Kentucky is suspect to breakaway runs. We pray that this doesn’t go to overtime, because that may bleed into the new year. Iowa gets revenge in this year’s Music City Bowl over Kentucky.
Bowl Mania Pick To Win: Iowa
Bowl Mania Confidence: 15/43
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