Citrus Bowl Betting: Tennessee vs. Iowa Odds, Props, and Predictions

One of the top New Year’s Day college football bowl games is the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, pitting the No. 21 Tennessee Volunteers (8-4) against the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-3). The game is on Monday, Jan. 1, at 1 p.m. ET at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. It will be broadcast on ESPN. We have a preview of and the best odds, props and predictions for Tennessee vs. Iowa.

The Vols and Hawkeyes have clashed three times before, with Tennessee leading the series 2-1. If you’re betting on bowl games, now is a great time to sign up with new sportsbooks to leverage sign-up bonuses. Top US sportsbooks are offering dozens of welcome promos and boosts for this busy sports season. Check out some of the best sportsbook bonuses here. 

Citrus Bowl Odds & Prediction: Tennessee vs. Iowa

The Iowa Hawkeyes had a standout year, going 10-3 and making it to the Big Ten Championship game against the Michigan Wolverines. Of course, they got a beating from the Michigan team, which won 26-0 and clinched a spot in the College Football Playoff. 

But their winning record was enough to send the Hawkeyes to the Citrus Bowl for their third visit and second in three seasons. 

The Tennessee Volunteers also had a strong season, finishing with an 8-4 record and third in the SEC East. This will be their sixth appearance in the Citrus Bowl, which ties them for the most invitations of all time. 

Likely thanks to their tougher schedule and conference, FanDuel Sportsbook has the Volunteers as 6.5-point favorites with a -235 moneyline to win the Citrus Bowl matchup. 

Vols QB Joe Milton III announced that he’s passing on the Citrus Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft. His announcement only changed the odds slightly, from an 8-point spread down to around 6 or 6.5. Tennessee will start freshman Nico Iamaleava, who was a 5-star recruit. The Vols are also down two running backs and others from injury and transfers. 

Our prediction: The Vols win, Hawkeyes cover the spread. We’re going with the Under, too, which is set at 35 points on Caesars Sportsbook. 

Best Prop Bets for Tennessee vs. Iowa

Here are some of the best props for Tennessee vs. Iowa on New Year’s Day. 

Both teams to score 10 or more: No (+155 on BetMGM Sportsbook)

We’re betting Under 35 points on this game, and we’ll also go with betting that at least one team ends up with fewer than 10 points. Iowa has a strong defense and a putrid offense, and Tennessee is working with a new offensive squad for this bowl game. 

Combo: Tennessee 1st Drive Offensive TD/Iowa 1st Drive Punt (+900 on FanDuel Sportsbook)

Is it likely to happen? No. Is it possible that the new starting quarterback for Tennessee will come out hot and deliver a stunning first drive? Sure! With +900 odds on FanDuel, it’s a long shot but a fun bet. 

Tennessee to Score First (-180 on DraftKings Sportsbook)

Going with the bet above, we’re wagering that Tennessee will put up the first points on the scoreboard in Orlando.