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5 Bold Predictions For Iowa vs. Tennessee In the TaxSlayer Bowl

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Bold Predictions For Iowa vs. Tennessee In the TaxSlayer Bowl

Iowa Hawkeyes
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While the Iowa Hawkeyes and Tennessee Volunteers aren’t exactly mirror images of one another, there are similarities between this year’s Taxslayer Bowl opponents. Each team relies on balanced offensive attacks to go along with stout defenses, making for a potentially interesting matchup between the two sides on Jan. 2. Here are five bold predictions for the Hawkeyes and Volunteers’ upcoming clash in Jacksonville.

5. Jalen Hurd will be a key player on Tennessee’s offense

Jalen Hurd
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5. Jalen Hurd will be a key player on Tennessee’s offense

Jalen Hurd
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Hurd’s production waned late in the season, including his five-carry, 21-yard performance against Vanderbilt in Tennessee’s final outing of 2014. The Volunteers will need more from him against a Hawkeye team that gives up almost 160 rushing yards per game. If Hurd can keep Iowa's defense honest, it will open up the passing game for quarterback Joshua Dobbs.

4. Mark Weisman will score at least one touchdown for Iowa

Mark Weisman
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4. Mark Weisman will score at least one touchdown for Iowa

Mark Weisman
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The burly running back led the Hawkeyes in scoring during the regular season, finishing with 14 rushing touchdowns on just 206 carries. Look for the senior to get plenty of carries near the goal line when Iowa gets a chance inside the red zone.

3. Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt will make their presence felt for the Volunteers on defense

Curt Maggitt
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3. Derek Barnett and Curt Maggitt will make their presence felt for the Volunteers on defense

Curt Maggitt
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Tennessee’s two best pass-rushers are a handful for any offensive line. The pair combined for 21 sacks during 2014 and will look to put pressure on Iowa quarterback Jake Rudock from the start. Expect the Hawkeyes to be aware of where Barnett and Maggitt line up on every play.

2. Both teams’ passing attacks will present problems on defense

Jake Rudock
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2. Both teams’ passing attacks will present problems on defense

Jake Rudock
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The Hawkeyes and Volunteers each have balanced passing attacks that feature multiple threats through the air. Tennessee had seven players catch at least 20 passes, while Iowa had four players rack up at least 30 receptions. Add it all up and both defensive backfields figure to face plenty of challenges after opening kickoff.

1. The kicking game will determine which team comes out on top

Tennessee Volunteers
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1. The kicking game will determine which team comes out on top

Tennessee Volunteers
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Both Iowa and Tennessee have dependable placekickers in Marshall Koehn and Aaron Medley, while Dillon Kidd and Matt Darr handle the punting duties for their respective teams. Whichever squad's specialists perform the best will emerge victorious when all is said and done on Jan. 2.

Matt Johnson is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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