Insight Bowl 2010: Iowa vs. Missouri Preview and Prediction

Tempe, Arizona plays host to a game that could very well be won or lost based on momentum alone.

Iowa stumbled recently, losing its last three games of the year. Couple that with the loss of its star wide receiver and tailback.

Adam Robinson will not be available for undisclosed reasons. Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was arrested and suspended indefinitely for drug possession.

Missouri has managed to stay in the Top 15 despite losses to Nebraska and Texas Tech keeping them from the Big 12 Championship Game.

Missouri has made a name for itself defensively in 2010, which is surprising given its reputation as a great offense over the past years, producing NFL products like Jeremy Maclin and Chase Daniel recently.

By no means is Missouri lacking offense, however. Quarterback Blaine Gabbert runs the spread attack as well as anybody, and a surprisingly effective running game allows Missouri to hang with any team in the nation. Just ask Oklahoma. Tight end Michael Egnew has a bright future at the next level. Look for him to be a matchup nightmare going forward.

Iowa, despite the "off the field" issues, is a good football team. Ricky Stanzi gives them a chance to win every time out. Even though he's not having the amazing season he had in 2009, I would still be happy with this guy leading my college football team. They are without some key weapons, as I mentioned earlier, but NFL prospect Marvin McNutt should make enough plays to keep Iowa in this one.

Iowa's defense ranks right up near the top with Missouri. Expect head coach Kirk Ferentz to have a game plan ready for Missouri's spread; he'll need one to help his handicapped offense.

Prediction

Momentum plays less of a role than many of the experts think in this one. Iowa will be desperate to end the season on a positive note. Missouri is looking for an 11-win season and building towards a championship run next year.

Not too much expert analysis needed here. I think the defenses should be about equal. Missouri's offense, playmakers intact, wins this ball game.

Missouri 24, Iowa 18