TaxSlayer Bowl

TaxSlayer Bowl, Jan. 2
Iowa vs. Tennessee

– A massive disappointment considering the relatively easy schedule and the solid team returning, Iowa needs to rebound with a bowl win after losing three of its last four games including a blasting against Minnesota and two heartbreakers to Wisconsin and Nebraska. The best win this year was against … Pitt? Illinois? There’s a prove-it factor for a coaching staff that’s under scrutiny after such a rough year, but the team doesn’t get penalized, the offense can get hot at times, and the pass defense is terrific.

– It always seems like Tennessee is rebuilding, but there really is something interesting happening with a slew of great young talents and a dynamic quarterback in Joshua Dobbs. The defense has been excellent, and it’s had to be with the offense struggling so much until Dobbs became a factor. Winning three of the last four games, with the only loss coming to Missouri, has made this a hot team at the right time, and with a win, the offseason finally might not be about how the team is still a year away.

First Reaction: You try to figure out Iowa. The Hawkeyes did a nice job at the end of the year of hanging around, but they couldn’t complete the comeback against Wisconsin, and they couldn’t close out Nebraska. Tennessee is going to be looking for a statement in the Butch Jones era, and the speed and athleticism will be too much on both sides of the ball. It’ll be a ragged game, but Joshua Dobbs will be the difference.
First Prediction: Tennessee 20 … Iowa 17