The Iowa Hawkeyes are set to face off against the 19th-ranked Missouri Tigers in the 2024 Music City Bowl on Monday. This matchup marks the Hawkeyes’ 12th consecutive bowl appearance, while the Tigers will be making their fifth straight bowl trip. Iowa, with a record of 8-4, tied for fifth place in the Big Ten with Illinois at 6-3, although they have not secured a win against ranked opponents this season. Meanwhile, Missouri boasts a record of 9-3, tying for fourth in the SEC at 5-3, and they have a perfect record of 8-0 against unranked teams.
The game will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, with kickoff scheduled for 2:30 p.m. ET. The Tigers are favored by 2.5 points, with the over/under set at 40.5, which is the lowest of all the upcoming bowl games. Both teams face challenges related to player absences due to transfers and the NFL Draft. Iowa will be missing starting quarterback Cade McNamara and running back Kaleb Johnson, while Missouri will be without star wide receiver Luther Burden III and offensive tackle Armand Membou.
In preparation for the game, those interested in betting might look at various factors: Missouri’s offensive capabilities led by senior quarterback Brady Cook, who has been instrumental with his dual-threat abilities. He has thrown for 2,248 yards and nine touchdowns this season and also contributed significantly on the ground. Iowa, on the other hand, will look to junior quarterback Brendan Sullivan to step up in McNamara’s absence.
Moreover, both teams have shown impressive potential throughout the season, and with the model projecting an inclination towards exceeding the total points, fans and bettors alike have a lot to look forward to.
In summary, the Music City Bowl presents an intriguing matchup filled with factors that can sway the outcome in unexpected ways. With the stakes high for both teams, fans can anticipate a thrilling game that could highlight rising stars and new strategies as both squads adapt to their player losses. This bowl game represents not just a battle for victory, but also an opportunity for young athletes to shine on a big stage, showcasing the optimism and resilience of collegiate football.