Overview
- Heisman Trophy runner-up Diego Pavia will lead Vanderbilt's offense, while Mackey Award winner Eli Stowers has opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft.
- Iowa is expected to have its full roster available and arrives with a defense ranked among the nation's top units in scoring, total yards and pass yards allowed.
- As of this morning, sportsbooks list Vanderbilt between -4.5 and -5.5 with a total around 46.5 points.
- Previews and model projections largely anticipate a close contest, with several picks edging slightly toward Vanderbilt and differing views on the total.
- This first-ever meeting at Raymond James Stadium features coaching milestones in play, including a potential Big Ten bowl-win record for Kirk Ferentz and a chance at consecutive bowl wins for Clark Lea.