TaxSlayer Bowl: Iowa vs. Tennessee Free Picks & Odds
by Tony Sink - 12/29/2014
Taxslayer Bowl
Friday, January 2, 3:20 PM on ESPN
EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
For Updated Odds on This Game Click Here
On Friday, the Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) will look to shake off their late-season struggles when they go up against the Tennessee Volunteers (6-6) in the TaxSlayer Bowl. Both teams finished the regular season in fourth place in their respective conferences.
Iowa had a pretty good season this year, but they lost their final two regular season games, which included a 37-34 overtime loss to Nebraska in their last game. They were able to outgain Nebraska 372-263 in that loss, but they also turned the ball over four times.
The Hawkeyes have averaged 28.3 points per game this season while holding opposing offenses to just 24 points per game. Running back Mark Weisman has been one of their go-to players this season and currently has 802 rushing yards with a team-best 14 touchdowns.
At the end of November, Tennessee won their final regular season game by defeating Vanderbilt 24-17 on the road. Their offense didn't have a very good game in that one, but their defense held Vanderbilt to just 272 yards and forced them into committing three turnovers.
The Volunteers have relied heavily on their defense this season, which has only allowed their opponents to average 23.9 points per game against them. Their top receiver is Pig Howard with 52 catches and 589 receiving yards, but he has only been able to catch one touchdown pass this year.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
Iowa Hawkeyes are 6-6-0 Against the Spread
Iowa Hawkeyes are 7-5-0 against the Over/Under
Tennessee Volunteers Betting Trends
Tennessee Volunteers are 6-6-0 Against the Spread
Tennessee Volunteers are 5-6-0 against the Over/Under
Injuries to Watch
Iowa Hawkeyes
12/23/14 RB Damon Bullock Quad is downgraded to expected to miss Friday vs. Tennessee U
12/23/14 RB LeShun Daniels Jr. Foot is upgraded to probable Friday vs. Tennessee U
12/23/14 LB Travis Perry Leg is upgraded to "?" Friday vs. Tennessee U
12/07/14 DT Louis Trinca-Pasat Arm "?" Friday vs Tennessee
12/07/14 FB Macon Plewa Shoulder "?" Friday vs Tennessee
11/26/14 TE Henry Krieger Coble Shoulder out for season
11/15/14 WR Riley McCarron Illness out for season
10/28/14 WR Derrick Willies Muscle Pull out for season
08/27/14 DL Darian Cooper Knee out for season
08/18/14 FB Adam Cox ACL out for season
Tennessee Volunteers
12/26/14 WR Jason Croom Knee expected to miss Friday vs. Iowa
12/08/14 RB Jalen Hurd Upper Body is upgraded to probable Friday vs. Iowa
12/07/14 LB A.J. Johnson Legal problems "?" Friday vs Iowa
12/07/14 DB Michael Williams Legal problems "?" Friday vs Iowa
11/25/14 WR Marquez North Shoulder out for season
11/09/14 QB Justin Worley Shoulder out for season
11/07/14 WR Josh Smith Ankle out for season
10/14/14 DL Joe Henderson Academics out for season
09/29/14 LB Dillon Bates Shoulder out for season
09/22/14 RB Treyvon Paulk Dismissed out for season
08/07/14 WR Cody Blanc Achilles out for season
Tony's Pick: Take Tennessee
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