Iowa vs. Missouri: Music City Bowl Prediction and Game Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Missouri Tigers are set to face off in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl on December 30, 2024, at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. Both teams are looking to end their seasons on a high note with a bowl victory.
Currently, Missouri is favored by 2.5 points, and the over/under is set at 40.5 points.
This preview balances team strengths and weaknesses, key player absences, and statistical matchups to make an informed Iowa vs Missouri prediction. Let’s dive in.
Team Overviews: Iowa Hawkeyes
Iowa comes into this game with a record of 8-4 overall, and 6-3 in the Big Ten. The team’s traditional strengths have been on defense and special teams, but its offense has struggled and has been inconsistent at times.
Key Player Updates
Kaleb Johnson has opted out of the game, which will definitely affect Iowa’s rushing attack. Brendan Sullivan is slated to start at quarterback.
Defensive Strengths and Weaknesses
The Hawkeyes have a strong PFF coverage grade, ranking in the top 10, and a tackle grade in the top 25. However, they’ve struggled at times to defend the run. They rank 99th in opponent rush efficiency, 83rd in Defensive Line Yards, and 113th in Stuff Rate.
Team Overviews: Missouri Tigers
Let’s take a closer look at the Missouri Tigers and what they bring to the field.
Season Record and Key Stats
Missouri comes into this game with a 9-3 record (5-3 in the SEC). Their offense has improved this year, and they’ve got a strong ground game. However, their defense can be inconsistent at times.
Keep an eye on quarterback Brady Cook and his performance, especially given any injury concerns.
Offensive Strengths and Weaknesses
Missouri’s ground attack is a real strength. With Marcus Carroll and Nate Noel sharing carries, they’ve combined for 291 rushing attempts and forced 39 missed tackles. That’s impressive.
Defensively, they can be vulnerable. They’re outside the top 80 in coverage grading (per PFF). However, they do excel on third down, ranking fourth in third-down defense and 14th in Passing Down Success Rate allowed.
Key Matchup Analysis: Offense vs. Defense
Let’s break down where each team might have an edge.
Iowa Offense vs. Missouri Defense
Statistically, here’s how the teams stack up:
- Iowa Rush Success: 75th vs. Missouri Rush Defense: 42nd
- Iowa Line Yards: 83rd vs. Missouri Line Yards: 23rd
- Iowa Pass Success: 99th vs. Missouri Pass Success: 76th
Iowa’s rushing efficiency, which ranks in the top 10, will be tested against Missouri’s defensive line. Iowa also seems to have an advantage on special teams.
Missouri Offense vs. Iowa Defense
And here are the numbers for Missouri’s offense against Iowa’s defense:
- Missouri Rush Success: 20th vs. Iowa Rush Defense: 99th
- Missouri Line Yards: 54th vs. Iowa Line Yards: 83rd
- Missouri Pass Success: 93rd vs. Iowa Pass Success: 38th
Missouri’s rushing attack could find some openings against Iowa’s run defense, which has been vulnerable. However, Iowa’s strong pass coverage will challenge Missouri’s passing game.
Betting Odds and Trends
Here’s a quick look at the betting landscape for the Iowa vs. Missouri game:
- Spread: Missouri -2.5
- Over/Under: 40.5 points
- Moneyline: Missouri -144, Iowa +121
- Against the Spread: Missouri has been a solid bet this season, going 8-4-0. Iowa has covered in just 5 of their 11 games.
- Implied Win Probability: Based on the moneyline, Missouri has a 59.0% chance of winning, while Iowa sits at 45.2%.
Things to Watch For
A few key factors could decide the outcome of the Iowa-Missouri game:
- Can Iowa compensate for Kaleb Johnson’s absence and establish a running game?
- Will Brendan Sullivan be able to effectively manage the Hawkeye offense at quarterback?
- How healthy is Brady Cook, and can he lead the Missouri offense?
- Will Iowa’s special teams dominance give them a crucial edge?
- Can Missouri’s defense force turnovers and disrupt Iowa’s offensive rhythm?
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is favored to win Iowa vs. Michigan State?
Game day odds fluctuate as the match approaches, but currently, Iowa is slightly favored to win against Michigan State. Keep an eye on major sportsbooks for the most up-to-date point spreads and money lines as game day gets closer. Factors like player injuries and weather could shift those odds.
Who is predicted to win Iowa vs. Missouri?
Predicting the winner of Iowa vs. Missouri is tough! Early predictions often lean towards a close game, but it’s best to check reputable sports news and prediction sites closer to the game for more accurate insights. They’ll analyze team performance, stats, and head-to-head records.
Who is favored to win Iowa vs. Nebraska?
Iowa often has a strong record against Nebraska, so they’re frequently favored to win. However, college football is unpredictable! Always check the latest odds and expert analyses leading up to the game to see who the sportsbooks are betting on.
Where can I watch Iowa vs. Missouri?
Typically, Iowa vs. Missouri games are broadcast on major networks like ESPN, Fox, or their affiliated channels (ESPN2, FS1). Check your local listings and streaming services offering live sports to confirm the broadcast channel closer to the game. You can also listen on the radio via the Hawkeye Radio Network!
In Closing
The Iowa vs. Missouri game hinges on a few key matchups: Iowa’s stifling defense against Missouri’s explosive offense and Missouri’s ground game against Iowa’s run-stopping prowess. Iowa also appears to have a slight edge on special teams.
According to the Data Skrive model, expect a close, hard-fought game with Iowa edging out Missouri 25-22.
Given these factors, the recommended bets are Iowa +2.5, anticipating a close game where Iowa covers the spread, and the over on 40.5 points, expecting both teams to contribute to the scoring.