Iowa vs. Tennessee: 5 Things You Need To Know For TaxSlayer Bowl

By Paul Kakert

5 Things You Need To Know For TaxSlayer Bowl

iowa hawkeyes — The Jan. 2 TaxSlayer Bowl between the Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) and Tennessee Volunteers (6-6) features a young Vols team looking to move up the SEC ranks, and a veteran Hawkeye team most feel had a disappointing season. Here are five things you need to know heading into the TaxSlayer bowl game.

5. Only Third Meeting Between Iowa and Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers

5. Only Third Meeting Between Iowa and Tennessee

Tennessee Volunteers — The two teams have met only twice before, once in 1982 and again in 1987. Iowa won the 1982 meeting in the Peach Bowl 23-22, and Tennessee returned the favor in 1987 winning the Kickoff Classic matchup 28-22.

4. Tennessee Ended The Season On A Roll

Tennessee Volunteers

4. Tennessee Ended The Season On A Roll

Tennessee Volunteers — If momentum heading into the bowl game means anything, the Vols may have the edge. Sophomore quarterback Joshua Dobbs took over the offense with five games remaining in the season, and led the team to a 3-2 record, including three wins in the last four games.

3. Iowa Is Looking To Resurrect A Disappointing Season

Iowa Hawkeyes

3. Iowa Is Looking To Resurrect A Disappointing Season

Iowa Hawkeyes — The Hawkeyes failed to take advantage of an easy schedule, and need a bowl victory to inspire a little optimism for 2015. The Hawks hit the skids down the stretch, losing four of their last six games, including their final two by a combined five points.

2. Tennessee Defense Thrives On Pressure and Turnovers

volunteer defense

2. Tennessee Defense Thrives On Pressure and Turnovers

volunteer defense — The Volunteers will be after Iowa quarterback Jake Ruddock trying to force mistakes. The Vols rank near the top in the SEC in sacks (35) and interceptions (15). Ruddock is an extremely conservative passer, which has led to only five picks all year, but he’s also not very mobile and has been sacked 19 times this season.

1. QB Matchup Will Be Key To The Game

Jack Ruddock

1. QB Matchup Will Be Key To The Game

Jack Ruddock — Tennessee has a young sophomore quarterback who, oddly enough, has started the final five games of each of the past two seasons. Iowa has a two-year starter in Jake Ruddock, who has struggled to consistently move the offense. Ruddock’s performance in the 2013 Outback Bowl loss to LSU was uninspiring (9-for-22, 102 yards, zero TDs, one INT).

Paul Kakert is writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @edpvideo, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

Teams in this article »

Iowa Hawkeyes

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Tennessee Volunteers

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