Kentucky, coached by former Hawkeye Bob Stoops, enters the matchup having won their final three regular season games and second in the SEC East standings behind only 3 Georgia. On the year, the Wildcats averaged an impressive They closed out the year with a demolition of in-state rival Louisville in their final game.
Now Kentucky is set to face off with the Iowa Hawkeyes and a totally different team composition. Iowa enters their final game of the season averaging just The Hawkeye defense has been stingy despite the beatdown by Michigan in the Big Ten Championship dropping them to 15th in total defense. They continue to lead the nation in interceptions with 24 on the year. The Wildcats, on the other hand, have thrown 12 interceptions on the year.
The Hawkeyes and Wildcats are set to face off for the first time in the history of the two programs. Iowa has a longer history of success with 13 conference championships and 33 all-time bowl appearances to go with a. Quickly becoming a fan favorite across all of Big Blue Nation, the junior quarterback officially won over the fanbase with his announcement of his return for next season.
Add in the way he dominated the Louisville defense to end the season, and there might not be a more confident player on the field Saturday. The junior wide receiver-running back duo accounted for 15 touchdowns and over 2, yards combined this season.
In what could be the final game for both players in a Kentucky uniform, expect both to come out with their feet on the gas from the start. The Cats will also be without starting wide-outs Josh Ali and Isaiah Epps, after both suffered injuries in a car accident.
Ali will pursue his professional career, while Epps put his name into the transfer portal earlier this week. On defense, some good news was received on Wednesday as Josh Paschal returned to practice, which points to at least seeing Paschal for a few snaps on Saturday.
The senior defensive end will be playing his final game in the blue and white before hearing his name called in the NFL Draft in April. Alongside Paschal, Deandre Square and Jacquez Jones have been one of the best linebacker duos in the conference. For both players, this could be their last game for UK, but rumors have been swirling of a return to Lexington for both players.
For Iowa, their season seemed to be on the verge of a College Football Playoff berth at one point. Insert Jeff Brohm and the Purdue Boilermakers. IU didn't have too much trouble with the Minnesota Golden Gophers at home on Sunday as they won Phinisee had some trouble finding his footing against the Ohio State Buckeyes last Thursday, so this was a step in the right direction.
Rob Phinisee's points were the most he has had all year. Meanwhile, the Hawkeyes came up short against the Wisconsin Badgers last week, falling A silver lining for Iowa was the play of forward Keegan Murray , who had 27 points in addition to five rebounds and three blocks. Murray has also now had at least three blocks in his past three games. The Hoosiers are expected to lose this next one by 4.
The smart bettors have been the ones to keep their money on Indiana's opponents whenever they hit the road. IU is now while Iowa sits at Two stats to keep in the back of your head while watching: IU comes into the contest boasting the 25th fewest points allowed per game in college basketball at But the Hawkeyes enter the matchup with
0コメント