Preview: Vols – Hawkeyes
In the 50th Bowl game in Vols program history, the team will face an Iowa Hawkeye squad that has reached a bowl game in 12 of its last 14 seasons. However, for the Vols, it will be their first in 3 seasons.
The Hawkeyes backed their way into bowl contention as losers of 3 of their final 4 games, and failed to defeat a FBS school with a winning record. Meanwhile, Tennessee is just happy to be bowling and did so by winning 3 of their last 4 games.
Battle of the Defense
Both teams have very good pass defenses, especially Iowa. Iowa has the number one ranked pass defense in the BIG 10 conference, only giving up 175.8 yards per game. That could be a determining factor in this game, considering UT quarterback, Josh Dobbs, has struggled with consistency at times this season.
On the flip side, Tennessee’s pass defense will look to continue its success. Giving up under 200 yards per game through the air, the Vols’ defense will rely on its secondary to be up to the challenge against an Iowa passing attack averaging 242 yard per game.
Best 1-on-1 Matchup
Brandon Scherff vs Derek Barnett
Possibly the most intriguing matchup in this game doesn’t come from the skill positions, but instead comes from the trenches, where all of the dirty work is done. Everyone likes the 6’5” Wide Out vs the “Lock Down” Corner, but the guys who don’t get as much love will get their share this game. Tennessee Freshman phenom, Derek Barnett, broke records, ankles, and ribs this year, but his most challenging game could be this season’s last.
Brandon Scherff, Iowa’s Left Tackle, is regarded by many to be the top offensive lineman in the country. However, he knows the task at hand with Barnett, “For a kid who is 18, a freshman in college, I know he’s a lot further along than I was as a freshman.”
Prediction
As Tennessee builds on their recent success on the field, look for this to be another “brick,” if you will. The Vols will struggle to move the ball early against Iowa’s defense. However, look for the Hawkeyes to struggle as well in the first half, while the Vols make just enough plays at the end of the game to secure a win.
Vols-23 Hawkeyes-17
