| Iowa looks to extend the nation's longest non conference win streak on the 5th anniversary of their last non-Big Ten loss, to Florida in the 2017 Outback Bowl. They'll have to beat an alum, in opposing head coach Mark Stoops, who was in Iowa City for six seasons, from 1986-1991, first as a player, then as a graduate assistant. This game might be as simple as ball control for Kentucky. If they can stay within 1 in turnover margin, I have a tough time seeing them losing. That's been the story both both teams all season though. Iowa is #2 in the nation in turnover margin, leading the nation in interceptions; while Kentucky is #129 (out of 130) in turnover margin, both failing to generate turnovers, and having Will Levis be a a roller coaster of big plays and boneheaded turnovers. That is even more true with Iowa running back Tyler Goodson opting out and declaring for the NFL Draft. Goodson ends his three year Hawkeye career #10 in school history in rushing yards, and with just 52 yards in the bowl game, would have jumped Owen Gill, Tony Stewart and Mark Weisman into 7th place, and would trail only Fred Russell in terms of guys who only played for three seasons. What he did this year, reaching 1,000 yards was particularly remarkable considering how un-Ferentz-like the Iowa offensive line was this year, ranking as the 11th worst line in the FBS in terms of average line yards, and ranking in the bottom 20 in five of the six run blocking metrics tracked by Football Outsiders. Fifth year senior Ivory Kelly-Martin, who had 44 carries this year, but none since October, probably gets thrust into the limelight. He has received steady work for all 5 seasons in Iowa City, but has never had this much responsibility before. Kentucky knows Iowa can't do much offensively, and just can't shoot themselves in the foot. That's asking Will Levis, not to be Will Levis, so I'm sure he'll still have his moments, but this is a rushing attack which really came on late. They probably won't go over 200 yards for a fifth straight game, but they'll get enough. |