TaxSlayer Bowl 2015: Iowa vs. Tennessee TV Info, Spread, Time and More

Following two of the most talked about bowls of the season on New Year's Day, college football fans can feast their eyes on yet another SEC vs. Big Ten battle on Friday. The TaxSlayer Bowl features Iowa and Tennessee, two programs on the rise.

It also pits two head coaches who are at completely different stages of their careers against one another.

Kirk Ferentz is in his 16th year as the Iowa coach and looking for his eighth eight-win season with the Hawkeyes. Meanwhile, Butch Jones has Tennessee back in a bowl game for the first time since 2010 in just his second season in Knoxville.

Here's a look at the full viewing information and preview for the TaxSlayer Bowl.

Game Information

Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

When: Friday, January 2, 3:20 p.m. ET

TV: ESPN

Live Stream: WatchESPN

Spread: Tennessee (-3); via Odds Shark.

Preview

Adam Bettcher/Getty Images

Neither team came away at the top of their respective conference but still earned respect with a few notable wins.

Iowa came away with two wins over .500 programs like Pittsburgh and Illinois thanks to its defense. The Volunteers had to scratch and claw their way in the SEC to victories over South Carolina and Kentucky just to become bowl eligible.

One of the biggest reasons for Iowa's success this season has been Mark Weisman, who compiled over 800 rushing yards for the third straight season. Along with his steady production, he's also scored 14 touchdowns on the ground for the Hawkeyes.

Under center is a completely different story for Iowa. Jake Rudock has been the starter, but C.J. Beathard has shown flashes of strong play this season. Ferentz will likely go with a two-quarterback system on Friday, per The Daily Iowan:

For Tennessee, the quarterback position has been an up-and-down one all season. A season-ending injury to Justin Worley earlier in the year forced Joshua Dobbs into action. Though he threw two interceptions in the finale against Vanderbilt, the sophomore makes up for it with his dual-threat ability.

On the receiving end of many of Dobbs' passes is Pig Howard, who has also stepped up late in the season. The junior receiver has over 60 total yards in three of the last four games and leads the team with 589 receiving yards.

Jones spoke about the importance of Howard in the passing game, via Wes Rucker of 247Sports:

"

We’re gonna need him to step up big, but I’ve been very, very proud of him and how he’s matured over the course of a year. It’s a great story, because again, we always talk about coaching is creating change. When you see individuals change and really grow up and mature and learn from their past experiences, it’s very fulfilling.

That’s why you coach.

"

Given the versatility of Dobbs and the explosiveness of Howard and Marquez North, the Vols have a trio of players ready to win their first bowl game since 2007. Preparing for the bruising power of Weisman and a formidable duo in Rudock and Beathard, however, will be a tall task for Tennessee's defense.

Whichever team does come away with the win will have a program-building victory to head into next season in the two stout conferences.

Follow @RCorySmith on Twitter.