Iowa Hawkeyes are back in action after more than a month away, and they’re playing on a well-known bowl stage in Tampa, Florida. The ReliaQuest Bowl between Iowa (8-4) and Vanderbilt (10-2) will take place at Raymond James Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 11 a.m. CT, and ESPN will broadcast the game nationally. With both teams mostly intact and fully committed, this game promises to look and feel like a true midseason matchup, in contrast to many bowl games in today’s opt-out-heavy era.
Pete Fiutak of College Football News thoroughly examined the game, providing both teams with clear routes to victory in what looks to be a fiercely contested, traditional contest. Fundamentally, the game pits a Vanderbilt offense led by Heisman Trophy finalist quarterback Diego Pavia—one of the most dynamic players the Hawkeyes will see this season—against Iowa’s signature defense and ball control.
From Vanderbilt’s point of view, the plan is simple: stop Iowa’s running game and make the Hawkeyes step outside of their comfort zone. When Iowa’s offense dominates the trenches and accumulates yards on the ground, it performs at its peak. The Hawkeyes usually win when they get to 200 rushing yards. The outcomes are different when they don’t. Vanderbilt has only given up more than 133 rushing yards three times this season, while Iowa is 0-3 when it ends with fewer than that total.
This argument is further supported by the history of Iowa’s close defeats. Despite playing well enough to contend with teams like Indiana, Oregon, and USC, the Hawkeyes lost all three of their games. Few teams put in as much effort as Iowa to keep opponents in the game, as Fiutak states quite bluntly. Iowa, on the other hand, has many reasons to think they can win this game. Even though the outcome hasn’t always gone their way, the Hawkeyes have continuously shown they can compete with elite teams. This season, Iowa’s defense has frequently kept games within reach well into the fourth quarter against potent offenses.
As always, defense is the first step. The top priority is to slow down Vanderbilt’s run game, particularly Pavia’s ability to extend plays with his legs. Phil Parker, the defensive coordinator, has the standing and expertise to create a strategy centered on containing a single player with a full month to prepare. Even though Oregon and Nebraska had some success on the ground, Iowa’s run defense has been strong against the majority of opponents.
Third-down conversions, effective passing, and winning the time-of-possession battle are all key components of Vanderbilt’s success. Iowa’s defense has historically been strong in those areas. The Hawkeyes are renowned for getting off the field on third down and rank eighth in the country for pass efficiency defense. The game may swing back in favor of black and gold if Iowa can manage tempo, restrict explosive plays, and prevent Pavia from freelancing.
Fiutak also casts doubt on Vanderbilt’s resume’s general strength. Despite going 10-2, the Commodores missed games against Georgia, Ole Miss, and Oklahoma, and their defeats to Alabama and Texas revealed some weaknesses. Nevertheless, Vanderbilt’s offense continued to play well against top-tier opponents, making the game interesting. Diego Pavia, in Fiutak’s opinion, is the decisive factor in the game. He’s very driven, he’s not opting out, and he’s the type of player who can win a close game in the closing minutes. This season, Iowa hasn’t encountered a running quarterback who is genuinely dangerous, and that unfamiliar challenge is a major concern.
A traditional Iowa performance is anticipated, complete with grinding drives, stifling defense, and a refusal to deviate from its identity. With explosive return man Kaden Wetjen constantly posing a threat to alter momentum, special teams may also be involved. Fiutak anticipates that the offense will stall just enough to leave the door open, but Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski might eventually find some rhythm through the air. Ultimately, he believes that Pavia will have one final chance to make a difference, leading Vanderbilt into field goal range for a walk-off score. The final forecast is Iowa 20, Vanderbilt 23.
This game exemplifies what bowl season is meant to be, regardless of the outcome. This is where both teams want to be. They are both playing with intention, pride, and preparation. A competitive, well-coached football game that truly matters is what Iowa and Vanderbilt are expected to deliver in a time when bowl games frequently feel pointless.
