Can Iowa Hawkeyes Soar to Victory Against Missouri Tigers?

Dec 28, 20243 min read

The Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) will take on No. 23 Missouri Tigers (9-3) in the 27th edition of the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on Dec. 30 in Nashville, Tenn. In only the 14th-ever matchup between the two programs, Missouri holds a slight 7-6 edge while Iowa won the last game 27-24 in 2010.

What's on the Line?

Bragging rights, a showdown of two of the top teams from the Big Ten Conference and the Southeastern Conference, and the winner will help their respective conferences with a post-season victory against a formidable team. While both teams are outside of the College Football Playoff, a win in the postseason can give a much-needed momentum boost for recruiting and the upcoming season.

This year's Music City Bowl marks the fourth straight bowl appearance for both teams, having gone 1-2 over that stretch. For the Hawkeyes, this marks their second trip in three seasons. They previously won 21-0 against Kentucky in 2022. This will be the first trip to the Music City Bowl for head coach Eli Drinkwitz and the Missouri Tigers.

Who to Watch: Missouri Tigers

The offense runs through quarterback Brady Cook, who, despite a drop off in yardage, has averaged almost 8 yards per completion and only threw 2 interceptions on the year. The dual-threat quarterback also finished with 169 yards as a runner. He also accounted for 14 total touchdowns. While receiver Luther Burden III received much of the hype it was Theo Wease Jr. who led the team in receiving yards. Burden led the team in receiving touchdowns while adding 115 yards and 2 touchdowns as a runner. Both are dynamic weapons for the Tigers' offense that know how to get open and showcase excellent hands.

Defensively, while linebacker Corey Flagg Jr. led the team with 76 tackles, it has been the play of defensive end Johnny Walker Jr. that has tormented opposing offenses. Walker has led the way as an absolute nightmare with 7.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery this season. Flagg has been a missile for the Tigers' defense showing the sideline-to-sideline coverage ability and closing speed to make plays.

Who to Watch: Iowa Hawkeyes

For the Hawkeyes and head coach Kirk Ferentz, the offense has gone through running back Kaleb Johnson, leading the way rushing with 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns. He averaged 6.4 yards per carry while adding another 188 yards and 2 touchdowns as a receiver. Quarterback Cade McNamara has been effective when called upon, completing 60.5 percent of his passes on the year. He missed some games due to a concussion but is able to push the ball down the field averaging just under 6 yards per pass on the season.

Defensively, linebacker Jay Higgins is the heart of the team. Leading the team with 118 tackles, 5 pass breakups, 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and a fumble recovery. He showcases the closing speed and the finishing ability to shine. Defensive linemen Ethan Hurkett, Aaron Graves and Max Lelwellyn have been matchup nightmares. The trio has combined for 18 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 107 tackles.

Matchup to Watch

Kaleb Johnson vs. Missouri DL

Johnson is the pulse of the offense for the Hawkeyes. Averaging 6.4 yards per carry on the season, Johnson has found the most success running off the left edge and to the right of the center. Can the line of coach Drinkwitz minimize the impact that Johnson has on the game? The Tigers surrendered 134 yards per game on the ground on the season while the Hawkeyes have averaged just shy of 200 per game. If the Tigers can't find a solution for Johnson, they could be in store for a long day.