TaxSlayer Bowl 2015: Preview, Predictions for Tennessee vs. Iowa

On Jan. 2, the Tennessee Volunteers (6-6) will face off versus the Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) in the TaxSlayer Bowl (formerly known as the Gator Bowl) in Jacksonville, Florida. 

This game represents an interesting dynamic. Both teams pride themselves upon playing extremely well on the defensive side of the ball. Tennessee allowed 23.9 points per game this season, and Iowa allowed only 24.0 points a game. 

The big difference comes in the category of experience. Iowa is a veteran-laden bunch. Tennessee relies primarily upon underclassmen. Regardless, this game presents an opportunity for both programs to begin the new year on a positive note. 

Here's everything you need to know:

Date: Friday, January 2

Time: 3:20 p.m. ET

Place: EverBank Field in Jacksonville, Florida

TV: ESPN

Radio: ESPN Radio

Tale of the Tape

As one can see, both teams place a general emphasis on running the football and playing sound defense. 

The turnover battle will be something to watch going forward. When looking at the numbers, both teams are skewed in considerably opposite directions. 

Keys to Victory: Iowa

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Signal-caller Jake Rudock.

Finish in the 4th Quarter

The Hawkeyes have lost four games this season by seven points or less. Iowa's inability to finish in the final period truly has kept this team from reaching greater heights. 

If this scenario unfolds in the bowl game, Iowa should have the advantage from an age standpoint. Much of Tennessee's roster hasn't played in a bowl game. Iowa needs to rely upon its experience—while playing with consistency for all four quarters.

Run the Football

Iowa can control the ball and chew up clock by running the football well. Behind an extremely talented offensive line, putting up the season average of 156 yards per game on the ground is a very feasible goal to attain versus Tennessee.  

By doing so, it will open up things in the passing game for quarterback Jake Rudock. 

Win the Line of Scrimmage on Both Sides of the Ball

Iowa has multiple All-B1G selections on both the offensive line (Brandon Scherff, Austin Blythe) and the defensive line (Carl Davis, Drew Ott, Louis Trinca-Pasat). 

The Hawkeyes can impose their will up front and truly control the contest. As mentioned above, running the football will stabilize things offensively. Getting pressure on sophomore quarterback Josh Dobbs also could completely disrupt Tennessee's offensive efforts.

The likes of Davis, Ott, and Trinca-Pasat have the ability to make life very uncomfortable for Tennessee's young signal-caller. 

Keys to Victory: Tennessee

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Quarterback Josh Dobbs.

Protect Dobbs

Tennessee has to do a terrific job of protecting its quarterback. Iowa has an active and extremely productive front seven. Ott and Trinca-Pasat have combined for 14.5 sacks and 23.5 tackles for loss. 

The Volunteers might look to use a blocking tight end or a running back on passing situations. Although this goes without saying, turning the ball over versus an opportunistic defense isn't a recipe for success. 

Match the Physicality

Iowa is a traditional B1G team. It relishes in playing with a physical, hard-nosed edge. Tennessee has to be able to match the physicality on both sides of the ball. Iowa would like nothing more than to "play this game in a phone booth."

Take Shots Down the Field

Tennessee does hold an advantage in overall athleticism. Expect Iowa to try and limit Jalen Hurd and Marlin Lane from running the football. It wouldn't be a surprise to see the Hawkeyes daring Tennessee to throw the football.

If this is the case, the Volunteers need to make Iowa pay over the top and out on the perimeter. The likes of Pig Howard and Von Pearson can be playmakers—given the opportunity. In other words, stretch the field vertically. 

Players to Watch: Iowa

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Linebacker Quinton Alston.

Jake Rudock

Iowa traditionally goes as its quarterback goes. If Rudock plays well, the Hawkeyes are generally successful. If he's having a subpar game, Iowa can struggle offensively. 

Iowa isn't an offensive juggernaut by any stretch. Rudock has to take care of the ball and play within himself. He's got the luxury of playing behind a very good offensive line. Should the Hawkeyes run the ball effectively, Rudock can be deadly in play-action situations. 

Brandon Scherff

Iowa's all-everything left tackle will be tasked with slowing two explosive pass rushers. 

Tennessee defensive ends Curt Maggitt and Derek Barnett are both outstanding at getting after the quarterback. Barnett has an eye-popping 20.5 tackles for loss and 10.0 sacks on the season. Maggitt himself has 11.0 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss. 

The matchup between Scherff and Barnett will be very fun to watch. 

Drew Ott

The talented junior defensive end leads the Hawkeyes in sacks (8.0) and tackles for loss (12.0). Ott has an engine that never stops, and his ability to play with unabated passion and effort truly energizes the defense. 

Ott's penchant for getting after the quarterback can be a real storyline in this contest. Should he play up to his usual capabilities, Tennessee's offensive line will have its hands full. 

Players to Watch: Tennessee

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Maggitt is a beast defensively for the Vols.

Josh Dobbs

The sophomore quarterback will have to play well in this contest. A key in the game could be Dobbs' ability to use his legs. Against Vanderbilt in the season finale, Dobbs ran for 91 yards on 22 carries. 

Should the signal-caller have success on the ground, it will open up things in both the running game and in making throws down the field. Perhaps most important, Dobbs cannot make rash decisions with the football. Iowa's veteran defense will try and confuse him with exotic packages.

Pig Howard

It would behoove Tennessee to use its athletes by getting the ball out of Dobbs' hands quickly. This also would act as a mechanism in slowing down Iowa's strong defensive line. 

Howard's ability to make plays in space with his quickness and agility could prove to be immense. There needs to be a concerted effort in frequently getting the ball to Howard. 

Curt Maggitt

The heartbeat of Tennessee's defense, Maggitt is invaluable as both a player and a leader. He often energizes the team with his frenetic play. 

Against a veteran team, his leadership qualities will be even more significant in this contest. 

What They're Saying

Tennessee head coach Butch Jones on what this game means for his program: "[Thanks to the TaxSlayer Bowl Bowl for] making our night, our holidays. Looking forward to getting down to Jacksonville."

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz on his respect for Jones: "You look at what Coach Jones has done. The one common denominator is he's been successful everywhere he's been."

 Ferentz on the game: "Absolutely thrilled to be coming to Jacksonville and taking part in a first-class bowl."

Jones on the importance of this game to his program: "I think this provides more momentum for us in the building of our program." 

Prediction

This should be a very interesting contest. 

Iowa is a veteran team chock full of experience. Tennessee—on the other hand—relies heavily upon freshmen and sophomores. There might not be a younger team in the entire country. 

It has been a slow progression for Jones during his time in Knoxville. However, this contest represents a perfect opportunity for the Volunteers to build upon the success from this year. The amount of extra practices is vital going forward for a young football team.

A victory versus an older, extremely well-coached team should theoretically aid in developing the program even further.

Tennessee will win a close game—propelling the team into becoming a dark-horse candidate in the SEC East next season.