Iowa’s Blueprint to Beat Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl

The Big Ten tries to take down the mighty SEC when Iowa plays Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Wednesday, December 31st, in Tampa, Florida. Both teams come in reasonably intact, with few players opting out of the bowl game. So what does Iowa need to do to walk away with another bowl win under Kirk Ferentz?

The Battle at the Quarterback Position

You might think that Vanderbilt has the clear advantage when it comes to the quarterback position. Diego Pavia was a Heisman Trophy finalist, and despite some bad behavior and questionable comments, Pavia played great in 2025. He is a true dual-threat QB, and Iowa has to contain him.

But let's not forget Hawkeye QB Mark Gronowski. After suffering a few early hiccups and a mid-season knee injury, Gronwoski has played great at times for Iowa. Hawk Central points out the comebacks against Penn State and Michigan State. Where would Iowa be without Gronowski in those games? He's healthy, he's confident, and offensive coordinator Tim Lester needs to turn him loose in his final collegiate game!

Iowa Offensive Line Needs to Dominate the Line of Scrimmage

Look at that...another outstanding offensive line under Kirk Ferentz. This year's Hawkeye linemen were named the nation's best, taking home the Joe Moore Award for the best offensive line in college football. The big dogs up front, Beau Stephens, Kade Pieper, Gennings Dunker, Trevor Lauck, and Logan Jones, started all 12 games together this season. Jones took home the Rimington Trophy for the best center in college football. This unit needs to keep mauling.

A 'Special' Play from Special Teams

What more can Kaden Wetjen do during his senior year at Iowa? He already broke Tim Dwight's record for most career return touchdowns. He became Iowa's 35th consensus All-American in school history, and is the only player to win the Big Ten Returner of the Year Award in back-to-back seasons. Not bad for a former walk-on from Williamsburg. Something tells me that Wetjen breaks loose one more time in the Florida sun!

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