The 2024 Citrus Bowl saw a dominant performance by the Tennessee Volunteers, shutting out the Iowa Hawkeyes 35-0. This game served as a springboard for Tennessee’s 2024 season, while Iowa will look to bounce back.
Let’s take a look at the Iowa Hawkeyes football vs Tennessee Volunteers football match player stats and analyse them.
Tennessee Takes Flight
The Volunteers’ offense soared under freshman quarterback Nico Iamaleava, named Citrus Bowl MVP. Here’s a glimpse into his impressive stat line:
- Passing: 18/25 for 247 yards, 0 INT, 1 TD
- Rushing: 7 carries for 31 yards, 2 TDs
Iamaleava showcased his dual-threat ability, finding open receivers and running effectively when needed. Wide receiver McCallan Castles emerged as a favorite target, hauling in 6 receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown.
Another standout was running back Ramel Keyton, who racked up 97 yards on the ground and displayed good hands with 4 receptions for 40 yards. The offensive line provided ample protection, allowing Iamaleava to operate comfortably and Keyton to find running lanes.
Iowa’s Struggles
The Hawkeyes’ defense, typically a strength, faltered against Tennessee’s offensive firepower. Here’s a breakdown of their struggles:
- Total yards allowed: 438
- Turnovers: 2 (1 INT, 1 fumble lost)
- Points allowed per drive: 3.5
Quarterback Deacon Hill completed just 12 of 28 passes for 132 yards with an interception. The running game, usually a reliable source for Iowa, was bottled up for a meager 78 yards. Defensively, missed tackles and blown coverages allowed Tennessee to exploit vulnerabilities.
Iowa Hawkeyes Football VS Tennessee Volunteers Football Match Player Stats
| Stat | Tennessee Volunteers | Iowa Hawkeyes |
| Final Score | 35 | 0 |
| First Downs | 25 | 11 |
| Third Down Efficiency | More Efficient | Less Efficient |
| Fourth Down Efficiency | More Efficient | Less Efficient |
| Total Yards | 383 | 173 |
| Passing Yards | 151 | 60 |
| Completion Attempts | 20 | 25 |
| Yards per Pass | 7.6 | 2.4 |
| Interceptions Thrown | 0 | 2 |
| Rushing Yards | 232 | 113 |
| Rushing Attempts | 54 | 36 |
| Yards per Rush | 4.3 | 3.1 |
| Penalties | 3 | 5 |
| Penalty Yards | 30 | 41 |
| Turnovers | 0 | 3 |
| Fumbles Lost | 0 | 1 |
| Possession Time | 31:12 minutes | 28:48 minutes |
Tennessee’s efficient offense on third down kept them on the field and extended drives. Their defensive pressure generated sacks and disrupted Iowa’s rhythm. Time of possession heavily favored the Volunteers, limiting Iowa’s scoring opportunities.
The Citrus Bowl exposed areas for improvement for both teams. Tennessee needs to solidify their offensive line and develop Iamaleava further. Their defense, while opportunistic, can tighten up tackling and communication.
For Iowa, the focus will be on offensive line play and finding a consistent running game. The defense needs to rediscover its stingy identity and minimize missed tackles.
Conclusion
The 2023 Citrus Bowl was a one-sided affair, with Tennessee’s young talent on full display. The Volunteers head into 2024 with momentum, while Iowa seeks to rectify their shortcomings. This game provided valuable insights for both teams, making it an intriguing watch for college football analysts and fans alike.
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