Music City Bowl Picks: Can Iowa upset favored Missouri?

Tony Reyes
By , Updated on: Dec 12, 2024 12:00 AM
Music City Bowl Picks: Can Iowa upset favored Missouri?
  • What: 2024 TransPerfect Music City Bowl
  • When: December 30, 2024
  • Who: Missouri vs. Iowa
  • Time:  2:30 p.m. ET
  • Where: Nissan Stadium (Nashville, TN)

The Missouri Tigers wrapped up their season with a 9-3 record, earning them a No. 19 ranking nationally and a spot in the Music City Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

This matchup is scheduled for December 30 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Tigers are favored by 3 points, and the total is set at 40 points.

Iowa won the last matchup 27-24 against Missouri at the Insight Bowl in 2010Iowa leads the all-time series 7-6.

There will be no shortage of Online college football betting as the college football season continues, and every game becomes a high-stakes chess match.

The Iowa Hawkeyes will be missing their starting quarterback, Cade McNamara, who has entered the transfer portal, meaning a new player will be stepping in to take his place.

Iowa heads into their game against Missouri with an 8-4 record, performing well at home with a 5-1 record, while facing challenges on the road at 2-3.

Game Preview (Missouri vs. Iowa)

SpreadBetOnlineBetUSBovada
Iowa +3 Points-115-110-115
Missouri -3 Points-105-110-105

The Hawkeyes have been the favored team in 10 out of their 12 matchups, boasting a 7-3 record when favored.

Their against-the-spread (ATS) record is 5-5-1, which includes three covers in six home games and a 5-4-1 record as the favorite, backed by an impressive average scoring margin of +10.9 points per game.

Kaleb Johnson stands out as the top rusher, with an impressive 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns, maintaining an average of 6 yards per carry.

Quarterback Cade McNamara contributed 1,017 passing yards, six touchdowns, and five interceptions while holding a passer rating of 76.

Iowa +3 Points Missouri vs. Iowa
Bovada
-115

Missouri heads into the Music City Bowl, highlighted by a perfect 5-0 performance at home and a 2-3 record on the road.

The Tigers have excelled as favorites, achieving a flawless 6-0 in those matchups, with an average scoring margin of +9 points per game.

When it comes to betting against the spread (ATS), Missouri stands at 7-3 overall and 4-1 at home, with a solid 5-1 record as favorites and 3-1 ATS in home games.

Quarterback Brady Cook has accumulated 2,248 passing yards, boasting a 63.3% completion rate, nine touchdown passes, and only two interceptions. Cook has a passer rating of 94 on the season.

Running back Nate Noel has gained 804 rushing yards at an impressive average of 5.0 yards per carry. Wide receiver Theo Wease Jr. has emerged as the primary target, amassing 809 yards on 55 receptions.

Even though Iowa will be without McNamara for this one, I'd still side with them and take the points. Iowa +3 points is the best bet in this one.

Missouri -3 Points Missouri vs. Iowa
BetUS
-110

We want to ensure you maximize the best sign-up bonuses and current promotions. These bonuses can significantly increase your bankroll, allowing you to bet with house money!

Total Points (Tigers vs. Hawkeyes)

Total PointsBetOnlineBetUSBovada
Over 40-110-110-110
Under 40-110-110-110

On the offensive side, Iowa puts up an average of 28 points per game. Their strong ground game accounts for 200.6 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, the Hawkeyes excel, ranking 7th in the country by allowing only 17.1 points per game.

They limit opponents to an average of 118.1 rushing yards and 196.2 passing yards per game, with opposing quarterbacks recording a passer rating of 76.6 against Iowa's defense.

In a recent victory over Nebraska, the Hawkeyes held the Cornhuskers to just 10 points, despite giving up 334 total yards and 20 first downs.

This season, Iowa has an over/under record of 8-3, with games averaging a total of 45.1 points.

Missouri’s games have seen an average total of 49.2 points this season, reflecting a 4-6 record on the over/under. Although their typical game score hovers near 50 points, this week’s line has been set lower at 40 points.

On the offensive side, Missouri sits at 40th in national rankings, scoring an average of 29.1 points per game. They are particularly effective on third downs, converting 46.7% of attempts and ranking 16th in the nation.

The Tigers showcase a potent rushing attack, averaging 39.9 carries and 172.6 rushing yards per game.

Defensively, Missouri is a strong presence, ranking among the top 20 teams by allowing only 20.1 points per game.

They have excelled in defending both the run and pass, giving up an average of 134 rushing yards and 185.5 passing yards.

In their recent game against Arkansas, Missouri conceded 21 points, along with 148 rushing yards and 229 passing yards.

This one has a defensive rock fight written all over it. I would bet Under 40 points at -110 odds in this one.

Under 40 Points Missouri vs. Iowa
Bovada
-110

Check our top sportsbook reviews for the best odds on your favorite NCAA Football games before placing your bets.

Meet the author

Tony Reyes

With years of experience as an analyst, Tony brings an expert voice to picks and predictions. His passion for sports betting is evident in his coverage, which not only informs and entertains but also shares his love for the game. When he's not watching or covering t...

Online Sports Betting may receive compensation if you sign up through our links. Rest assured, we avoid biases and provide honest opinions on sportsbooks. Read our affiliate disclosure here.