Rose Bowl 2016: Final Odds and Prediction for Stanford vs. Iowa
Stanford Cardinal take on Iowa Hawkeyes in Rose Bowl on New Year's Day. The Hawkeye's only loss of the year came against Michigan State in the Big Ten Championship Game.
Stanford and Iowa finished fifth and sixth in the final standings released by the selection committee. The Rose Bowl will be played on New Year's Eve. Stanford won its last three games, including a dramatic win over eighth-ranked Notre Dame.
Stanford is playing in the Rose Bowl 2016. Kevin Connaghan of Pro Football Focus named Kevin Hogan one of the 10 biggest breakout players of 2015.
Stanford's quarterback, Hogan, is finally delivering on his potential. He threw for 2,644 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions last season.
Stanford's defense has been poor this year, but the offense has come through with at least 30 points in each of the last six games. Iowa's offense is not as good, and the team's defensive performance was disappointing. Jordan Canzeri is injured and may miss the Rose Bowl. Stanley is favored to win the game. The Hawkeyes finished the regular season ranked 15th in the nation with 18.5 points allowed per game, though they were showing signs of bending before the Michigan State game with four consecutive opponents breaking the 20-point barrier.
Stanford's Christian McCaffrey is one of the best players in the nation. His +29.5 rushing grade ranked second in nation and his +13.3 receiving grade topped all running backs. He also had a +9. 5 kick return grade, which also led the country.
Canzeri is Iowa's best player and he needs to prove he's ready to carry the load against Stanford. If he doesn't, coach Kirk Ferentz may be forced to use C.J. Beathard more than usual.
Stanford is playing in the Rose Bowl. It's his last chance to play college football. He has a sprain.
Stanford is going to win the Rose Bowl against Iowa. Stanford has the best offensive player in the country in Christian McCaffrey. Iowa won the Big Ten title and almost won it during the regular season.
