Fansided

Predicting every 2016 college football bowl game

By Cody Williams

Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; A general view of the logo and end zone marker prior to the the 2014 Orange Bowl at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Barr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators punter Johnny Townsend (19) punts the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators punter Johnny Townsend (19) punts the ball against the Tennessee Volunteers during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the Tennessee Volunteers 28-27. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Outback Bowl: Florida vs. Iowa – Jan. 2, 1 p.m. ET

The over/under for the Outback Bowl is set at 40.5 points. I don’t know if the oddsmakers have actually watched the Florida Gators or the Iowa Hawkeyes this season, but that’s probably about 20 points too high. This game might be one of the least exciting matchups of the entire bowl slate. That’s not to say that these teams aren’t talented and deserving of a featured bowl game, but simply that neither team has much to offer in terms of traditional entertainment, particularly on offense.

While both the Gators and Hawkeyes have forgettable offenses that have struggled at many times throughout the season, there’s also no escaping the talent that they boast on the defensive side of the ball. Sure, Florida got 54 points dropped on them by Alabama. But that’s also Alabama—not Iowa. Meanwhile, Iowa showed their prowess on that side of the ball most famously in holding Michigan to just 13 points in that huge upset victory.

So what gives in this matchup that’s likely to come down to a field goal or some sort of defensive or special teams play? Ultimately, Florida has more traditional playmakers in that department. It’s going to be a slog to get there, but the Gators should ultimately walk away with the victory.

Prediction: Florida: 12, Iowa: 10

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