Iowa at Kentucky 1/11/22 - Vrbo Citrus Bowl Picks & Predictions

The Vrbo Citrus Bowl will take place on New Year’s Day, when the Iowa Hawkeyes square off against the Kentucky Wildcats from Camping World Stadium. The 15th ranked Hawkeyes (11-2) reeled off six straight victories to start the season and rely on a stingy defense that allowed 19.2 points per game. In the Big Ten Conference Championship game, Iowa was gashed for 461 yards of total offense during an ugly 42-3 loss against Michigan.

Iowa surrendered a 67-yard touchdown run and a 75-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter and could never recover. Sam LaPorta caught six passes for 62 yards in a losing effort for the Hawkeyes.

The Kentucky Wildcats also started the season on a six-game winning streak and finished with a 5-3 record in SEC Conference play. Last time out, Kentucky built a 17-point halftime lead and cruised to a 522-21 road triumph against Louisville. The Wildcats (9-3) grinded the Cardinals into submission with a rushing attack that compiled 362 yards on 49 attempts.

Kentucky QB Will Levis rushed for four touchdowns and finished the day with 149 yards passing. Chris Rodriguez Jr. contributed 121 yards rushing and found the end zone on a two-yard plunge.