The time for talk is over, the ReliaQuest Bowl is officially here!
The Hawkeyes have been diligently preparing for one of their toughest matchups of the season, and for them to come out on top, they will have to play traditional Iowa football with a few wrinkles.
Everyone knows the Hawkeyes thrive when the offensive line can lean on opponents and establish the running game, but Vanderbilt has one of the worst pass defenses in college football.
Quarterback Mark Gronowski will have to turn back the clock to his days with South Dakota State and have the best passing game of the season for Iowa to succeed.
Vanderbilt is going to come out firing in this game after narrowly missing out on the College Football Playoff.
Despite quarterback Diego Pavia's off-the-field nonsense, he is a very talented quarterback who is the engine of the Commodores' offense.
If the Hawkeye defense allows him to do whatever he wants during the early stages of the game, it will be a long day.
Before the game kicks off at 11:00 a.m. Central Time, we have the finals odds and a few predictions for the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl.
Final spread, moneyline, and total
Odds are provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Iowa: +3.5 (-104)
- Vanderbilt: -3.5 (-118)
Moneyline
- Iowa: +154
- Vanderbilt: -184
Total
- Over: 46.5 (-105)
- Under: 46.5 (-115)
Predictions
Iowa is going to have to play a near-flawless game on defense to slow down the Commodores, and they will be up for the challenge.
No one opted out of the game, and with starting defensive back TJ Hall healthy, everyone will be ready to go.
With time and preparation, the Hawkeyes have shown they can have a solid game plan in place, and the defensive unit will win this game.
The Hawkeyes must force Pavia into some bad throws, and while the Vanderbilt offense is balanced, they are better at running the ball than passing.
If the Hawkeyes can pressure Pavia and slow down the run game, Iowa will win this game.
The Iowa passing attack will also play an important role, as Vanderbilt ranks No. 119 against the pass.
Gronowski has to put the ball in the air early and often and sustain drives to keep the high-powered Vanderbilt offense off the field.
The Hawkeyes will send LeVar Woods and the seniors out with a win.
Final score: Iowa 27, Vanderbilt 24