Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 12/30/2024 2:30 PM EST

We have your Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Iowa Hawkeyes hit the road to face the Missouri Tigers.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Iowa Hawkeyes +135 (Caesars) / Missouri Tigers -160 (Caesars)
Best Spread Odds: -3.0 - Iowa Hawkeyes -105 (Caesars) / Missouri Tigers -105 (ESPN BET)
Best Total Odds: 40.0 - Under -110 (DraftKings) / Over -110 (DraftKings)

Game Info

Date: 12/30/2024
Time: 2:30 PM EST
Location: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN)
TV: ESPN

Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes and Missouri Tigers are set to clash in the Music City Bowl, a matchup that promises to be a compelling contest between two formidable teams. The game will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, on December 30, 2024, with a 2:30 PM EST kickoff. Both teams have had impressive seasons, with Iowa finishing 8-4 and Missouri at 9-3, setting the stage for an exciting bowl game.

Missouri enters the game with momentum, having won three of their last four regular-season games. Their only loss in that stretch was a close contest against a strong South Carolina team, where they managed to cover the spread as 10.5-point underdogs. The Tigers have been backed by a model that simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, predicting a 24-19 victory over Iowa. Missouri's ability to generate offensive momentum and their strong finish to the season make them a formidable opponent.

On the other side, the Iowa Hawkeyes have had a solid season, finishing with an 8-4 record and securing a spot in the Music City Bowl. However, they will be without their star running back, Kaleb Johnson, who has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and will not participate in the bowl game. Johnson's absence is significant, as he set single-season records for Iowa in points, total touchdowns, and rushing touchdowns. In his place, Iowa will rely on redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton and sophomore Jaziun Patterson to lead the backfield.

Despite the absence of Johnson, Iowa's head coach Kirk Ferentz has expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete. Ferentz praised Johnson for his commitment throughout the season and acknowledged the challenges of the current college football landscape. The Hawkeyes will need to rely on their depth and resilience to overcome the loss of their star player.

As the game approaches, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths. Missouri's offensive prowess and Iowa's disciplined approach will be key factors in determining the outcome. With the game being broadcast on ESPN, fans can expect a thrilling encounter between two well-matched teams.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers Pick: Total Points Over

The upcoming Music City Bowl clash between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Missouri Tigers presents a compelling case for betting on the total points to go over 40.0. Both teams have demonstrated offensive capabilities throughout the season, and the dynamics of this matchup suggest a higher-scoring affair than the odds might imply.

Missouri, entering the game with a 9-3 record, has shown a knack for generating offensive momentum, particularly in the latter part of the season. The Tigers have won three of their last four games, with their only loss being a narrow defeat against a formidable South Carolina team. This offensive prowess is further supported by a predictive model that simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, forecasting a 24-19 victory for Missouri. This suggests that Missouri is capable of putting up points against a solid Iowa defense.

On the other hand, the Iowa Hawkeyes, despite the absence of their star running back Kaleb Johnson, have the potential to contribute significantly to the scoreboard. Johnson's record-breaking season, with 1,537 rushing yards and 23 total touchdowns, underscores the offensive talent within the team. While his absence is a blow, Iowa's depth in the backfield with Kamari Moulton and Jaziun Patterson stepping up could still provide the necessary firepower. Head coach Kirk Ferentz's confidence in his team's ability to adapt and compete without Johnson further bolsters the case for Iowa's offensive contribution.

Moreover, the nature of bowl games often leads to unexpected scoring bursts as teams pull out all the stops in a bid to end their season on a high note. With both teams eager to showcase their strengths on a national stage, the potential for a back-and-forth contest is high. The combination of Missouri's offensive momentum and Iowa's resilience and adaptability suggests that the total points could easily surpass the set line of 40.0.

Given these factors, betting on the total points to go over appears to be a prudent choice, as both teams have the capability and motivation to light up the scoreboard in what promises to be an exciting and competitive bowl game.

Iowa Hawkeyes at Missouri Tigers Top Player Prop Picks

Kamari Moulton Over 75.5 Rushing Yards - Rushing Yards Prop -110 (DraftKings)

With Iowa's star running back Kaleb Johnson sitting out the Music City Bowl to prepare for the NFL Draft, the spotlight turns to redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton. Moulton is expected to take on a significant role in the Hawkeyes' backfield, and his performance will be crucial for Iowa's offensive success. Given the absence of Johnson, who set single-season records for Iowa, Moulton will have ample opportunities to showcase his rushing abilities. The Hawkeyes' offensive scheme, which traditionally emphasizes a strong running game, will likely lean heavily on Moulton to fill the void left by Johnson. With Missouri's defense focusing on stopping the run, Moulton's ability to break through and accumulate yardage will be pivotal. The odds suggest a competitive game, and Moulton's contribution on the ground could be a deciding factor, making the over on his rushing yards a compelling pick.

Brady Cook Over 1.5 Passing Touchdowns - Passing Touchdowns Prop +120 (Caesars)

Missouri's quarterback Brady Cook has been instrumental in the Tigers' offensive success, particularly in the latter part of the season. With Missouri winning three of their last four games, Cook's ability to lead the offense and find the end zone through the air has been a key component of their strategy. The predictive model, which simulates every FBS game 10,000 times, forecasts a 24-19 victory for Missouri, indicating that Cook will likely play a significant role in the Tigers' scoring efforts. Iowa's defense, while disciplined, will face a challenge in containing Cook's passing prowess, especially with Missouri's momentum heading into the bowl game. Given the odds and the Tigers' offensive momentum, betting on Cook to throw over 1.5 passing touchdowns offers value, as he is poised to exploit any defensive lapses and capitalize on scoring opportunities.

Jaziun Patterson Over 0.5 Total Touchdowns - Total Touchdowns Prop +150 (FanDuel)

With Kaleb Johnson's absence, sophomore Jaziun Patterson is expected to share the backfield duties with Kamari Moulton, providing Iowa with a dynamic duo to challenge Missouri's defense. Patterson's role in the offense will be crucial, as he steps into a more prominent position to help fill the gap left by Johnson. Iowa's head coach Kirk Ferentz has expressed confidence in his team's depth and resilience, suggesting that Patterson will have opportunities to make an impact in the red zone. The Hawkeyes' offensive strategy will likely involve utilizing Patterson's versatility to create scoring chances, whether through rushing or receiving. Given the odds and the potential for Patterson to step up in a significant way, betting on him to score at least one touchdown presents an intriguing option for those looking to capitalize on Iowa's adjusted offensive approach.