The Missouri Tigers are set to clash against the Iowa Hawkeyes on December 30, 2024, for the Music City Bowl at Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee. This matchup promises to be exciting as the Tigers—with their impressive season record of 9-3—look to build on their success against Big Ten opponents.
Missouri seeks back-to-back bowl victories over teams from the Big Ten, following their triumph over Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl the previous year. Notably, accomplishing double-digit wins for the second consecutive season would mark just the third time in program history for the Tigers.
Unfortunately for Missouri, they will face this challenge without key talents: star wide receiver Luther Burden III and right tackle Armand Membou, both of whom have opted out to pursue their NFL dreams. This will also be the final game for several prominent players, including quarterback Brady Cook and defensive standout Johnny Walker Jr.
On the other side, the Iowa Hawkeyes, holding an 8-4 record, will be missing their standout running back, Kaleb Johnson, and are anticipated to start Brendan Sullivan at quarterback. The Hawkeyes have had their share of remarkable performances this season, but will face heightened challenges against Missouri's defensive line, which has had impressive outings lately.
The game will kick off at 1:30 p.m. CDT and will be aired live on ESPN, with Taylor Zarzour managing play-by-play duties, Matt Stinchcomb providing analysis, and Alyssa Lang covering sideline reports. Fans can also stream the event via Fubo, which offers free trials, making it accessible for many viewers.
Over the years, the rivalry between these two programs has been uneven, with Missouri holding the historical edge at 7-6, including their last meeting—a narrow 27-24 victory for Iowa during the Insight Bowl back in 2010. Before their memorable matchup over a decade ago, the Hawkeyes and Tigers had not faced each other for over 100 years, highlighting the unusual history of this rivalry.
According to Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins, one of the keys to victory for the Hawkeyes will lie in limiting Missouri’s offensive strategy. "We’ve just got to make them one-dimensional. Obviously, they’ve got some big dudes up front. Their offense is based on how well their offensive line is doing. We’re going to try to stop the run..." Higgins stated, underscoring the importance of defensive strategy against Missouri's potent offense.
Another significant aspect to monitor will be how both teams adapt to the absence of some of their star players. How Missouri responds without Burden III could dictate their offensive capabilities, and Iowa's replacements must step up significantly to maintain productivity.
Missouri enters this game as slight favorites according to the latest betting lines, currently standing at 3 points. The over/under has been set at 40.5 points, indicating expectations of a potentially low-scoring affair. Both teams have shown resilience, with Missouri closing its season with back-to-back victories against Arkansas and prior-week opponent Maryland, and Iowa notching wins against Nebraska and Maryland to finish their season.
With both teams eager to finish strong, there's much at stake beyond just the Music City Bowl trophy. Missouri's bid for double-digit wins is historic, and Iowa aims to send its stars off with pride. The excitement surrounding this game reflects the spirited tradition of college football, promising fans an engaging encounter featuring deep-rooted rivalries, talented players, and high stakes.
Fans tuning in can expect not just thrilling action but also insights to different teams attempting to adapt under pressure. This blend of strong defensive strategy and potent offensive plays will surely make for compelling football.
For those unable to watch live, local radio stations including 1580 AM and 105.1 FM will broadcast the game, ensuring coverage reaches loyal followers. The Tiger Radio Network will provide play-by-play action, contributing to the overall atmosphere of this anticipated matchup.
Missouri and Iowa's upcoming duel will not only define their seasons but offer thrilling narratives for the players involved as they take the field one last time this year. Will Missouri's talented but shorthanded squad rally to secure victory, or will the Iowa defense stifle the Tigers and come through with inspiration from the stands? This bowl game is shaping up to be one for the ages, highlighting the best of college football culture.