Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) vs. Missouri Tigers (9-3)
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers December 30 2024 – The Iowa Hawkeyes will face the Missouri Tigers in the Music City Bowl, and both teams will want to end the season on a high note. Iowa Hawkeyes finished the regular-season on a high note, winning their last two games against Wisconsin and Nebraska, bringing their total record to 8-4. The Missouri Tigers also had success in the regular season and maintained a solid record of 9-3 and now face off a chance to further improve that with an aggressive strike and good defense at this pivotal moment. Both teams want to prove their worth on a national level at Nissan Stadium in Nashville.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers December 30 2024 Game Info
| When: | Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Nissan Stadium |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
| Iowa | +125 | +2.5 | Over 40.5 (-105) |
| Missouri | -145 | -2.5 | Under 40.5 (-115) |
Missouri is a slight 2.5-point favorite, reflecting their balanced performance this season. Iowa’s +125 moneyline provides value for bettors who believe in their ability to execute in close games. The total of 40.5 suggests a low-scoring affair, which aligns with both teams’ defensive strengths.
Jackson Stratton QB vs. Brady Cook QB
Iowa quarterback Jackson Stratton participated in a few games at this season where he started for the Hawkeyes as he passed for just 219 yards and one touchdown. Although he doesn’t have much experience, Iowa’s strategy minimizes the burden on Stratton due to the nature of the offense which is predicated on the rush game. Against Missouri defense, he will be required to make quick but accurate throws, especially targeting Jacob Gill.
Brady Cook, Missouri’s quarterback on the other hand, has been phenomenal as a leader throwing for 2248 yards with 9 touchdowns. The reason why he has been performing effectively is because he has a completion rate of 63.3 %, however he has been sacked 20 times which exposes some of his weaknesses. Missouri’s offense also boasts a deep ball option in Theo Wease Jr. who has been targeted 14.7 times per reception.
Iowa’s Late-Season Dominance
Iowa finished off the season successfully by taking 4 wins out of 5 games. Kaleb Johnson was outstanding at running back, gaining 1,537 yards and throwing for 21 touchdowns as well. His big plays together with a big offensive line make Iowa’s running game difficult to defend against. Iowa’s defense has been impressive, allowing Nebraska only 10 points during their final regular season match.
Missouri’s Offensive Firepower
Missouri recovered from a rough period played mid season and concluded the season on a triumphant note winning emphatically against Arkansas and Mississippi State. Running back Nate Noel has contributed as a balanced player with 804 rushing yards, whereas Theo Wease Jr. is still their best available WR. Although the team had two heartbreaking losses to Alabama and South Carolina, the Tigers’ offensive unit is still an explosive threat able to score in large volumes.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
Iowa is 4-1 SU in their last five games and 5-2 ATS in December matchups. Their games frequently hit the under when they play as underdogs, with the total staying under in all eight such scenarios. Their strong defensive play makes them a reliable pick in low-scoring contests.
Missouri Tigers Betting Trends
Missouri has excelled ATS, covering in six of their last seven games. They’ve been dominant as favorites, going 16-0 SU in their last 16 games when favored. However, their December performances have been inconsistent, covering just three of their last 16 games in the month.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Previews
This game will probably come down to how each team executes during crucial stages of the match. There is a good possibility that Iowa will be able to dictate the pace of the game as they can rely heavily on Kaleb Johnson and their brutal rushing game. On the other hand, Cook alongside Wease Jr must help Missouri’s offense find ways to penetrate through Iowa’s tactics.
The Tigers’ -2.5 spread reflects their betters’ confidence in their offense being able to do better, but there remains a strong candor in Iowa pulling an upset because of their defensive toughness. Unders on the 40.5 points look good considering how both teams approach similar matchups. There deals for betting on rushing yards for Johnson or passing touchdowns for Cook return good value as well.
Score Prediction: Iowa Hawkeyes 20, Missouri Tigers 17..
