Published Dec 30, 12:21pm ET by
Gabriel Kozlow - Betting Preview Analyst and Sports Writer
Last updated Dec 30, 12:21pm ET
Updated Dec 30, 12:21pm ET
The 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa will be the first ever meeting between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Vanderbilt Commodores. This adds an extra layer of intrigue to this SEC vs. Big Ten showdown in Florida.
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| VANDERBILT COMMODORES | -218 |
| IOWA HAWKEYES | +180 |
The Iowa Hawkeyes come into this bowl game with an 8–4 record, ranked #23 in the nation, and heading to their 7th ReliaQuest Bowl appearance. They'll be leaning heavily on their defense and special teams against the Commodores.
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Their defense has allowed around 15 points per game and 270 yards per game to opponents, making them a top-tier defensive unit. One of their standouts has been Ethan Hurkett, who has 6 sacks so far this season.
The Vanderbilt Commodores come into this game at 10–2 and ranked 14th in the nation. This is also their first 10-win season in program history, which they would love to finish off with a win this Wednesday. Some notable wins this season came against Virginia Tech, LSU, and Tennessee.
The team is led by Heisman runner-up Diego Pavia, who threw 27 passing touchdowns and ran for 9 more. Tight end Eli Stowers was also a key piece for this offense with 62 receptions and 4 touchdowns.
We have a nice matchup between the Hawkeyes’ defense and the Commodores’ offense. Vanderbilt is favored at -4 with an over/under of 46.5. The moneyline is -218 for Vanderbilt and +180 for Iowa.
We believe Vanderbilt will come away with the win here and cover the -4. Diego Pavia should prove why he is one of a kind with a strong performance, even against Iowa’s tough defense.
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Pick
Vanderbilt-4
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