Free Pick: Citrus Bowl at Orlando, FL. 1/1/22

KENTUCKY 9-3 vs. IOWA 10-3

Under coach Mark Stoops, Kentucky is becoming a consistent bowl game participant. They are coming off a 9-3 season and this is a chance for them to get to 10 wins. They were the 2nd best team in the SEC East division, behind Georgia, and they should be ready to play in this New Year’s Day game. Meanwhile, Iowa, had another great season winning 10 games and playing for the Big10 championship. But, despite spending several weeks in the Top-10, they were a bit of a disappointment in their losses to Purdue and Wisconsin, plus the trouncing they took to Michigan in the championship game, has left a bad taste in their mouths. They should be ready to bounce back. Let’s find something to bet.

TOTAL TEAM POINTS:

Kentucky: 22.5 Total Team Points They have a very balanced offense and they are averaging 32 points and 431 total yards per game. They have a 1,000 yard rusher in Christopher Rodriguez and like to pound opponents with their running game. Quarterback Will Levis, has been efficient and has thrown for 2,593 yards and 23 touchdowns. The Iowa defense is their strength and they are always fundamentally sound and physical. They are a bunch that forces turnovers and they had 24 interceptions on the season. I’m staying away from this line as it could go either way.

Iowa: 22.5 Total Team Points Iowa is averaging 24 points per game which isn’t too bad, considering they only average 298 total yards per game. When I look at their stats, the thing that surprises me the most is their lack of an efficient run attack. They are rushing for only 120 yards a game and I think that is very low for this type of team. Their lack of a running game force them to depend on quarterback, Spencer Petras to make plays in the passing game and he has only thrown for 9 touchdowns. Kentucky will bring a very aggressive defense into this game and should be able to control the Hawkeyes. I will take Iowa UNDER 22.5 Total Team Points.

OVER/UNDER: 44 Combined Team Points This is a line that is about dead on. If I had to make a bet I would go OVER 44 combined team points.

POINT SPREAD: Kentucky is a 3-point favorite If Kentucky can stay away from turnovers that lead to Iowa points, they should win this game. But, that is a big if and the Hawkeyes have a way of making teams turn the ball over. This game doesn’t mean much nationally but it could be one of the best New Year’s Day games.

AARON’S PICK: Kentucky -3

PAPA DUDES PICK: Iowa UNDER 22.5 team points