The Iowa Football program has not won a Bowl game since the 2022 Music City Bowl, and if the Hawkeyes want to snap that losing streak, they must contain Vanderbilt's offense.
Iowa's defense has been stellar this season, ranking in the top 25 in passing defense (No. 6 overall), rushing defense (No. 23 overall), and total defense (No. 7 overall).
Phil Parker always has his unit ready to go, and they have contained most quarterbacks all season.
As the squad prepares for a tough ReliaQuest Bowl matchup against No. 14 Vanderbilt, Head Coach Kirk Ferentz acknowledged that one player on the Vandy offense poses unique challenges for the defense.
Kirk Ferentz on Vanderbilt QB Diego Pavia:
— Eliot Clough (@EliotClough) December 18, 2025
"The most important thing he does is how he impacts his team. He's made them more explosive. ... Somehow, some way you've got to try to keep him contained. It's easier said than done."
Even though Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia has been making a fool of himself since coming in second place in the Heisman Trophy voting, Ferentz knows the impact he has on their team.
According to Hawkeye Insider Eliot Clough, Ferentz said Pavia has "made them more explosive," and that they need to contain him somehow.
Pavia was not only the runner-up for the Heisman, but he also earned the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (top upperclassman quarterback), a First-Team All-American, the SEC Player of the Year, First-Team All-SEC, and the SEC Player of the Year.
Pavia finished the regular season with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, while also adding 826 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Ferentz acknowledged that containing Pavia is easier said than done, but if the Iowa defense can rise to the occasion, Iowa has a good chance to pick up their 11th bowl victory under Kirk Ferentz.