In final season’s Citrus Bowl, Kentucky beat Iowa in a 20-17 recreation that noticed each groups flail round on offense for the primary three quarters earlier than lastly placing issues collectively within the fourth quarter to supply some offensive fireworks. The nice people on the Music Metropolis Bowl watched it and thought to themselves, “We have to get us a few of that.” Now right here we’re with the Hawkeyes and Wildcats ending one other season towards each other however doing a lot farther north this time.

The opposite major distinction on this yr’s recreation is that each groups have failed to satisfy inner expectations in 2022. Each groups received 10 video games final season, however come into Nashville with equivalent 7-5 data. Iowa completed the season stronger than the Wildcats, successful 4 of its last 5 video games after getting off to a 3-4 begin. In the meantime, the Wildcats started the season with 4 wins earlier than going 3-5 down the stretch.

Iowa vs. Kentucky: Have to know

There are numerous opt-outs on each groups: Any time you get a bowl matchup between Energy 5 packages coming off disappointing seasons, there is a robust likelihood you may see numerous gamers opting out of the proceedings. The Music Metropolis Bowl will probably be no completely different. Kentucky will probably be with out beginning QB Will Levis, in addition to its two main rushers in Chris Rodriguez and Kavosiey Smoke. Iowa will not have both of its high two quarterbacks as Spencer Petras is harm and Alex Padilla is within the switch portal. There will probably be numerous unfamiliar names at necessary positions on this recreation.

Iowa’s offense has been one of many worst within the nation: Having mentioned that, possibly Iowa making an attempt new gamers on offense is not the worst factor? Whereas issues improved late within the season, it will’ve been laborious for the Iowa offense to worsen than it had been. Iowa completed the common season ranked one hundred and thirtieth (of 131 groups) with 255.4 yards per recreation and 123rd with 17.4 factors per recreation; nonetheless, that factors per recreation stat is deceptive. The Hawkeyes scored 209 factors this season, however Iowa’s offense solely scored 177 of them. The 14.75 factors per recreation scored by the offense ranked 127th nationally.

Kentucky has crushed it in bowl video games underneath Mark Stoops: Already the winningest coach in Kentucky soccer historical past after passing Bear Bryant earlier this season, Stoops’ success has prolonged into the postseason. The Music Metropolis Bowl will probably be Kentucky’s twenty second look in a bowl recreation and seventh underneath Stoops in 10 seasons. The Wildcats misplaced their first two bowl video games underneath Stoops (together with the 2017 Music Metropolis Bowl) however have received 4 straight since.

The best way to watch Music Metropolis Bowl dwell

Date: Saturday, Dec. 31 | Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: Nissan Stadium — Nashville, Tennessee
TV: ABC | Stay stream: fuboTV (Attempt at no cost)

Music Metropolis Bowl prediction, picks

Final yr’s assembly noticed these groups battle to get to 37 factors, and that was when each offenses had been enjoying at full power. That won’t be the case this season, and there isn’t any purpose to anticipate this being a high-scoring recreation. With each groups decreased to backup quarterbacks, and neither that includes an explosive offense, we’ll possible see them take cautious approaches. Iowa at all times performs for area place as it’s, and let’s not neglect the place Mark Stoops went to varsity (Iowa). He is constructed Kentucky in an identical picture. The entire is low, but it surely’s low for a purpose. Do not be fearful of it. Prediction: Underneath 31

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