Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers 12/30/24 – For the Music City Bowl, the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) square off with the Missouri Tigers (9-3). These two teams have different styles of play, with Missouri having a more fast-paced approach and Iowa focusing on a tough defense. It will take place at Nissan Stadium in Nashville and has the makings of being a close contest. This is an absolute must-see and will be available for watching on December 30, 2024, at 2:30 PM on ESPN.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers 12/30/24
| When: | Monday, December 30, 2024, at 2:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Stream: | Sofascore |
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawkeyes | +2.5 (+100) | 40.5 Over (-105) | +125 |  |
| Tigers | -2.5 (-120) | 40.5 Under (-115) | -145 | |
| ||||
GAMEDAY@MusicCityBowl x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/tBYIF2dx7L
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 30, 2024
As such, it is the Tigers who are ever so slightly favored with a moneyline of -145 and a spread of -2.5, and the Hawkeyes, featuring quite an impressive defense, are going in as the underdogs at +125 moneyline. This is very important since the total points line is at 40.5, which indicates that this matchup is expected to be heavily defensive. Expect a lot of Iowa bettors to go with the season-ending standings for Missouri in this case, but remember that Iowa is 5- 2 ATS in December, which stands for against the spread.
Jackson Stratton QB vs. Brady Cook QB
Jackson Stratton of Iowa has had a few appearances so far, and however limited they were, they still provided some promise. He has a passer rating of 122 which is good, but he is not a volume passer as he only has a total of 219 passing yards to his name. Whether or not he is able to protect the ball and manage it would most likely determine the Iowa Hawkeyes’ season going forward. Stratton’s main task is to avoid Missouri’s defense which has 20 sacks to its name already.
On the other hand, there is Brady Cook from Missouri, who seems to have a more experienced profile. He also had impressive stats with 2,248 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and a veteran like ability of not throwing interceptions. Even though he had impressive stats, it is surprising to see how poorly he performed under pressure, as he lost 112 yards in sacks. If Iowa can disrupt the rhythm of the Missouri, it would be game over for them as they would find it hard to build up any offensive pressure.
Hawkeyes’ Playoff Push
Iowa is heading into this game with a 4-1 run, most notably a 13-10 last score victory over Nebraska. Kaleb Johnson Principal running back, is a bull, rushing for 1,537 yards and scoring 21 touchdowns. Johnson’s reliability and big runs (75 yards is his longest) will be critical. The defense of the Hawkeyes, which has conceded only 10 points to opponents such as Wisconsin, will need to keep up that kind of spirit to cancel out Missouri’s throw strategy.
Tigers Seek to Continue Dominance as Favorites
In recent history, Missouri boasts a remarkable 13-3 record in their last sixteen matches, the last of which saw them defeat Arkansas with a 28-21 scoreline. Their receiving corps is led by Theo Wease Jr, who recorded 3 touchdowns and 809 yards. Alongside Wease, who has the fantastic talent of making explosive plays, Nate Noel spearheads a potent rushing attack. The team looks solid on paper; however, their December months may be a problem for them as they have a 3-13 record in games played in the last month of the year.
Trends
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
The total has gone OVER in 9 of Iowa’s last 12 games.
Iowa is 4-1 SU in their last 5 games.
The total has gone UNDER in all 8 games when Iowa played as the underdog.
Missouri Tigers Betting Trends
Missouri is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games.
Missouri is 16-0 SU as favorites.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Missouri’s last 6 games.
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Missouri Tigers Betting Prediction
This matchup appears to be an entertaining mix between Iowa’s stingy defense and Missouri’s high-powered offense. Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson could be a force, taking advantage of Missouri’s lapses in run defense now and then. Yet, if the Tigers can get a fast pace going, Cook’s experience in conjunction with Missouri’s depth could give them the advantage.
For wagers, betting on the UNDER 40.5 might be appealing to them, considering Iowa’s defense and Missouri’s offense’s performance in December. Missouri’s moneyline is the safer option, but for those looking to place a bet on a low-scoring contest, Iowa +2.5 provides decent value.
Score Prediction: Missouri Tigers 24, Iowa Hawkeyes 20.
Hilbert Mayer
Sports Writer
Hilbert Mayer is a professional sports writer, betting analyst, and content strategist with over 15 years of experience in the sports industry. Before focusing on sports betting analysis and handicapping, Hilbert worked as a sports writer for various news outlets, covering everything from game recaps to in-depth matchup features. Today, he specializes in MLB, NFL, March Madness, and UFC betting, combining his journalistic background with deep statistical expertise and real-world betting insights. His proven track record, sharp reads, and ability to break down complex matchups make him a trusted voice among both casual bettors and seasoned sharps.
Published on: December 30, 2024
Last updated: March 31, 2025