Insight.com Bowl

Missouri vs. Iowa

   This matchup features teams going in different directions.  Iowa started the season ranked ninth and started the season 7-2, including a demolishing of then- fifth-ranked Michigan State.  But the Hawkeyes struggled down the stretch, losing their last three and struggling to defeat Indiana.  The Tigers, on the other hand, are on a three-game winning streak, one in which they have scored 35 points or more twice.

   Not only has Iowa had its problems on the field, but it has ended the season with some major off the field problems as well.  All-time leading receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was arrested on drug charges and therefore suspended by Coach Kirk Ferentz,  Then Adam Robinson, the team's leading rusher who had rushed for nearly 1,000 yards and 10 touchdowns was also suspended, he for failing to "comply with team expectations and policies."  The two backup running backs also left the team, leaving true freshman Marcus Coker as the starter.

   Luckily for Iowa, they still have quarterback Ricky Stanzi, who threw for 2,804 yards and 25 touchdowns, while throwing a career-low four interceptions.  With Johnson-Koulianos out, he will rely on St. Louis-native Marvin McNutt, who led the team with 51 grabs for 798 yards and eight touchdowns.  Coker rushed for 403 yards and two touchdowns in limited duty.

   But it'd not only the offense that the Tigers need to worry about.  The Iowa defense is quite stout itself being led by yet another St. Louis-native, defensive end Adrian Clayborn.  Clayborn has 51 tackles, including seven for loss and three and a half sacks.  The defensive backfield is also quite talented, led by Tyler Sash and Shaun Prater also were named first-team all-Big Ten. Sash was third on the Hawkeyes with 73 tackles and Prater tied for the team lead with four interceptions.

   Up to this year, Missouri had been known for its explosive offense.  Well this year, the Tigers have their best defense in years and it is paying off for them.  They are giving up only 15 ppg, which is fifth in the nation.  Linebackers Andrew Gachkar and Zaviar Gooden lead the team with 81 and 79, tackles, respectively, while six players have two interceptions and four more with one.  The team has forced 27 turnovers on the year.

   But that's not to say the Tiger offense hasn't been explosive.  The team is averaging 30 points per game and has become a more balanced offense this year.  While Blaine Gabbert has thrown for over 2,700 yards and 15 touchdowns, four Tigers, including Gabbert have rushed for 239 yards or more.  The team is led by De'Vion Moore who has run for 485 yards and eight touchdowns.

   After losing starters Danario Alexander and Jared Perry, everyone wondered who would step up to be the next in a recent run of great receivers.  Four receivers have 32 catches or more.  T.J. Moe leads the squad with 77 catches for 893 yards and six touchdowns.  Michael Egnew continues the line of recent Mackey Award finalists/winners and All-American tight ends after catching 83 balls for 698 yards and four touchdowns.

Prediction: Missouri 34, Iowa 21