Iowa Hawkeyes vs Kentucky Wildcats Point Spread Picks

This is a good matchup for Iowa. Neither team has a great offense, but Iowa's defense is dominant, as usual. The Hawkeyes ranked fourth in the nation in total defense, 22nd on third down (33.71%), and sixth in points given up (14.4 ppg). Iowa is on a 4-1 SU/ATS run, 90-68 ATS on natural grass, plus 32-16 ATS when the total is 42 or less. Kentucky will be without starting QB Will Levis (19 TDs, 10 INTs) and top RB Chris Rodriguez (904 yards, 5.3 ypc) as they both prepare for the NFL draft. The offensive line has been a weak spot all season allowing the most sacks in the SEC. The defense loses depth for this bowl and wasn't good at generating a pass rush. And Kentucky is 4-12 ATS versus opponents who commit 42 or fewer penalty yards per game. Play Iowa.

CITRUS BOWL - A pair of teams that like to run the football meet here, but only one has a big edge defensively. Kentucky is #52 in the nation defensively in yards allowed, #31 in points, #66 on third down, and #123 with nine takeaways. Kentucky QB Will Levis has 10 TDs and six picks over the last five games, including three interceptions in a 31-17 loss to Mississippi State as a +1 underdog. Meanwhile, No. 15 Iowa is #13 in the nation defensively in points allowed and in rush 'D,' surrendering 113.8 yards per game on the ground while the Hawkeye secondary has picked off 24 passes. Iowa takes excellent care of the football offensively, turning it over just 16 times in 13 games. Iowa beat Iowa State, 27-17, as a +3 dog and won two games ago as a dog at Nebraska, 28-21. The wagering value is on the disciplined, well-coached underdog with the outstanding defense to win the game. Play Iowa on the moneyline for a Max Play.