Crystal Pouncey
Jan 01, 2024 - 09:35

Live updates Iowa football Tennessee Cheez-It Citrus Bowl

Iowa football team aims for a strong start to 2024 by facing Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, missing key players.

The Iowa football team is gearing up to kick off the new year with a strong performance in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. Last season, the Hawkeyes secured a victory in the bowl game by shutting out Kentucky, and this year's matchup against the Volunteers promises to be just as exciting.

In last year's Music City Bowl, Iowa's backup quarterback Joe Labas faced off against Kentucky's Destin Wade. This time around, it will be second-string signal caller Deacon Hill leading the Hawkeyes against true freshman Nico Iamaleava for the Volunteers.

Tennessee's starting quarterback, Joe Milton III, will not be playing in the game after announcing his decision to opt out in favor of the NFL Draft. In his place, highly-touted recruit Nico Iamaleava will take the field, showcasing his skills as a mobile and talented quarterback.

Iowa's defensive coordinator, Phil Parker, is looking to replicate the success of last year's bowl game, where the Hawkeyes scored two defensive touchdowns and limited the opposing quarterback to just 98 passing yards. The team will be facing a formidable Tennessee offense that has averaged 453.5 yards per game this season.

Tennessee will also be without its starting running backs, Jaylen Wright and Jabari Small, who have both opted out of the game. In their absence, backup Dylan Sampson will be leading the rushing attack for the Volunteers.

On the defensive side, Tennessee will be missing several key players in the secondary, creating an opportunity for Iowa's offense to capitalize on their absence. Quarterback Deacon Hill will be tasked with leading the Hawkeyes against a Tennessee defense that has held opponents to an average of 22 points per game this season.

Overall, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive matchup between Iowa and Tennessee in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, with both teams looking to start the new year on a high note.