Kentucky vs Iowa: Line, Prediction, TV Channel & Live Stream for 2022 Music City Bowl

Two teams who faced off for the first time ever a year ago, Kentucky and Iowa will meet in a bowl game once again this season for the 2022 TransPerfect Music City Bowl. As for last year’s meeting between the two, Kentucky defeated Iowa in the Citrus Bowl by a final of 20-17.

As for this year’s meeting, Kentucky is coming off a regular season that included a 7-5 overall record, as well as a 3-5 mark in SEC play. The Wildcats did however struggle toward the end of the season by dropping two of their last three games against Vanderbilt and Georgia, but did defeat rival Louisville, 26-13, in the regular season finale.

The Wildcats offense, which ranks No. 105 nationally with an average of 22.1 PPG, will be without starting quarterback Will Levis in this contest, with the lone other player at the position who has seen time this season being Kaiya Sheron. Kentucky’s top offensive playmaker is running back Chris Rodriguez Jr., while the top receivers are the trio of Barion Brown, Dane Key, and Tayvion Robinson.

Arguably the strength for Kentucky however comes on defense, where the Wildcats rank No. 11 nationally with an average of only 19.1 PPG allowed. Leading the Wildcats on that side of the ball are names such as D’Eryk Jackson, Jordan Wright, J.J. Weaver, Jordan Lovett, Trevin Wallace, and more.

Iowa on the other hand is coming off a 7-5 regular season, one that included a 5-4 mark in Big Ten play. After a 3-4 start to the year, the Hawkeyes have however won four of their last five games, with the lone loss having come in the regular season finale to Nebraska, 24-17.

The Hawkeyes rank No. 123 nationally by averaging only 17.4 PPG, and are led by quarterback Spencer Petras. Iowa’s top two running backs are Kaleb Johnson and Leshon Williams, while the trio of Sam Laporta, Nico Ragaini, and Luke Lachey are the top receivers, each of which have 300+ yards apiece.

Similar to Kentucky, the defensive side of the ball is also the strength for Iowa, with the Hawkeyes ranking No. 6 nationally by allowing only 14.4 PPG to opponents. Joe Evans, Deontae Craig, and Lukas Van Ness are all key pass rushers for the Hawkeyes, with the Iowa defense also led in tackles by names such as Jack Campbell and Seth Benson.

Kentucky vs Iowa 2022 Music City Bowl Prediction

Two teams with stout defenses, this game will likely be close, as well as low scoring similar to last season. I’ll say that the Wildcats make it two-straight over the Hawkeyes as well, but it will likely be by a slim margin. Prediction: Kentucky 17, Iowa 14

What Channel is the Kentucky vs Iowa Game On?

The 2022 Music City Bowl between Kentucky and Iowa will kickoff at 12:00 PM ET on ABC on Saturday, December 21 from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, TN.

Kentucky vs Iowa Live Stream

Kentucky vs Iowa can be found on fuboTV here.