2021 bowl projections: Iowa projected to meet SEC team in Outback Bowl

The Iowa football team is heading to Florida this holiday season in the latest bowl projections.

With the Iowa football team breaking Nebraska’s hearts on Black Friday, the Hawkeyes turn their attention towards the postseason.

Iowa improved to 10-2 on the season, but is probably not heading to Indianapolis to play in the Big Ten Championship game. Though the Hawkeyes have an outside shot of getting into the New Year’s Six, they are likely heading to a second-tier bowl this holiday season. Almost certainly Florida bound, what bowl game are the Hawkeyes on the precipice of going to this winter?

Look for Iowa to potentially play an SEC team down on the Florida Gulf Coast over in Tampa.

Iowa bowl projections: Hawkeyes vs. Kentucky in Outback Bowl

Brett McMurphy of The Action Network has the Hawkeyes taking on the Kentucky Wildcats in the Outback Bowl at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida on Jan. 1.

This bowl outcome is largely contingent on Wisconsin beating Minnesota to win the Big Ten West division title. Should the Badgers and Purdue lose on rivalry weekend, Iowa is likely heading to the VRBO Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Florida to face someone like the Texas A&M Aggies.

Ultimately, Iowa fans will be mildly disappointed about not getting to the New Year’s Six. The Hawkeyes are almost certainly going to be on the outside looking in this season. However, winning 10 regular-season games is nothing to sneeze at if you are Kirk Ferentz’s program. While the ending was not what they were hoping for, this is a terrific season for the Iowa football team.

In the battle of Bloomin’ Onions and coconut shrimp, may the best team win down in Tampa.

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