How to watch the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl: Iowa vs. Tennessee game time, TV schedule, live online streaming
Will “who wants to be here” come into play in this game?
Every year, there’s at least one bowl game where one team is thrilled to be there and the other can’t help but think where else they might have been had the regular season gone different. This is a prime candidate to be that game.
Iowa came into the season as a legitimate Big Ten West contender, thanks to a lot of returning talent on offense and an incredibly easy schedule. However, the Hawkeyes’ play left a lot to be desired this year, culminating with a blowout loss to Minnesota, a failed comeback against Wisconsin and a huge blown lead against Nebraska, all in November. With that, the Hawkeyes fell to 7-5, and their stubborn offensive philosophies led to some losses that shouldn’t have happened.
Meanwhile, Tennessee’s program is excited to be back in a bowl game. The Vols haven’t been to the postseason since 2010, and this could be the start of an impressive run in the Butch Jones era. For Tennessee, it can be a springboard. For Iowa, it can only salvage so much.
How to watch, listen, and stream
Game time: 3:20 p.m. ET
TV: ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
The numbers
Rankings and records: Iowa is 7-5 and unranked. Tennessee is 6-6 and unranked.
Vegas: Tennessee opened as a 3-point favorite. The spread is now 3.5. The over/under is 51.
Weather forecast: High of 68 and partly cloudy.
Two things at stake
For Tennessee, this game represents an opportunity to build some serious momentum heading into next year.
Iowa needs a win in order to make sure the mood surrounding the program doesn’t go completely south, and the Hawkeyes also need to try to salvage their relationship with their very good No. 2 quarterback.
One big matchup
Greg Davis vs. the Tennessee defense. Neither of these teams are very good on offense, so expect a pretty low-scoring affair. Iowa has shown an ability to have a bit more firepower, but that will require the Hawkeyes to open things up. Offensive coordinator Greg Davis has only allowed that on a few occasions this year, and when he gave quarterback Jake Rudock more freedom to improvise and look downfield, the offense was successful. If he allows it again, Iowa has a good chance to win. If not, then it could be another miserable game for Hawkeye fans.
Further reading
For more on Iowa, head over to Black Heart Gold Pants. For more on Tennessee, check out Rocky Top Talk.
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