Iowa at Tennessee Prediction
The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Tennessee Volunteers will meet in Orlando in the 2023 Citrus Bowl this New Year’s Day from Camping World Stadium on ABC. Tennessee has won two of the three matchups between the two schools, and they enter as 6.5-point favorites, with the total currently hovering 36.5. Stay tuned for our Iowa vs Tennessee prediction.
Iowa Hawkeyes Preview
Iowa finished at 10-3 after losing to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship, 26-0. The Hawkeyes were completely silenced by the Wolverines, and they’ll attempt to show more fight here in Disney World. The Iowa offense is scoring 21.3 ppg, while passing for 123.2 ypg, rushing for 117.1 ypg, and converting 30.7% of their third downs.
Iowa Team Notes
- Wisconsin transfer Deacon Hill finished as the starter behind center, but he wasn’t able to do much with Iowa’s pedestrian offensive approach, as he finished with 1,096 yards, and five touchdowns to six interceptions.
- Chicago native Leshon Williams gained 111 yards in the regular season finale against Nebraska, and he leads Iowa in rushing with 804 yards on 164 carries.
- Senior wideout Nico Ragaini leads the wideout group in receptions (29) and receiving yards (252).
- The Iowa defense has allowed 13.2 ppg.
Tennessee Volunteers Preview
Tennessee closed at 8-4 after defeating Vanderbilt in Knoxville, 48-24. The Volunteers dominated their in-state rivals to reach the 8-win mark, and they’ll look to start the new year with a victory over the Hawkeyes. The Tennessee offense is scoring 31.5 ppg, while passing for 251.0 ypg, rushing for 202.5 ypg, and converting 43.3% of their third downs.
Tennessee Player Notes
- Freshman QB Nico Iamaleava is set to make his first career start here in the Citrus Bowl, and he’s played well in spot duty throughout the season.
- Durham native Jaylen Wright gained 90 yards or more in five of the final six games, and he leads Tennessee in rushing with 1,013 yards on 137 carries.
- Sophomore wideout Squirrel White tied a season-high with ten catches in the win over Vandy, and he leads the Vols in receptions (65) and receiving yards (765).
- The Tennessee defense is allowing 22.0 points per game.
Iowa vs Tennessee Trends
- IOW is 6-6-1 against the spread, with a 2-11 O/U record.
- TEN is 6-6 ATS, with a 6-5-1 over/under record.
Iowa vs Tennessee Prediction
An Iowa/Utah matchup may have done us more justice, but even with Tennessee putting a freshman QB on the field, they will still hold advantages on the offensive end. The Hawkeyes' inability to move the ball consistently in today’s age is interesting, but it also makes them a target when matchup with a productive Volunteer squad. The Under will always be in play when Iowa puts on the pads, but let’s back Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl this New Years Day.
