Iowa vs. Oklahoma: Game Time, Radio and TV Coverage Info for Insight Bowl

The 9-3 Oklahoma Sooners and 7-5 Iowa Hawkeyes will clash on Friday in the Insight Bowl in game between two of the more consistently good teams over the past several years. Despite the consistency of the two teams, however, Oklahoma is a two-touchdown favorite.

Oklahoma's distinction as the favorite is certainly sensible as the Sooners are extremely talented, even without injured stars like wide receiver Ryan Broyles and running back Dominique Whaley. The Sooners ended the regular season on a sour note in getting blown out by Oklahoma State, so they will certainly want to go out with a victory.

Iowa had a very up-and-down season that featured no more than two wins in a row, and no losing streak of more than one game. The Hawkeyes didn't play particularly well against some of their better opponents, although they did upset Michigan. Iowa is in position, though, to win its seventh bowl under head coach Kirk Ferentz.

There isn't much other than pride and money for the university on the line, but each team could benefit from the win. For Oklahoma, a win might salvage a disappointing season, while Iowa would love to beat an elite-level team like the Sooners.

Either way, this should be a very competitive affair.

Where: Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz.

When: Friday, Dec. 30 at 10 p.m. EST

Watch: ESPN

Listen: WHO 1040 AM (Iowa) and KOKC 1520 AM (Oklahoma)

Betting Line: Oklahoma (-14)

Key Storyline: Will This Be Kirk Ferentz's Last Game as Iowa's Head Coach?

Despite the fact that Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has been insistent that he will remain with the Hawkeyes for the foreseeable future, there has been plenty of speculation regarding whether the Insight Bowl might be Ferentz's final game with Iowa.

According to Adam Rittenberg of ESPN.com, Ferentz could be a candidate for the vacant head coaching job of the NFL's Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs fired head coach Todd Haley a few weeks ago and are looking for a permanent replacement.

Ferentz has it made at Iowa, but it isn't crazy to think he could be persuaded to head toward greener pastures. Ferentz will coach to win this game regardless, but if this is his last game at Iowa, he will certainly want to leave a lasting impression.

Who Might Not Play for Iowa: RB Marcus Coker

With 1,384 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns, sophomore running back Marcus Coker was a huge part of the Iowa offense this season. Due to a suspension for reasons related to his conduct, however, he will not be available to play against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl.

While the Hawkeyes have the ability to move the ball through the air as well, Coker was the player who made the offense go during the regular season. The Oklahoma secondary has struggled at times during the season, but Coker could have softened it up even more. Without Coker, I think Iowa's chances of winning decrease significantly.

Who Might Not Play for Oklahoma: DL Ronnell Lewis

Due to academic issues, junior defensive end Ronnell Lewis is doubtful to play for Oklahoma against Iowa on Friday. Lewis is one of the Sooners' best defensive players as evidenced by his 5.5 sacks and 13 tackles for loss on the season. Oklahoma will have to find alternative ways to pressure the quarterback.

It is quite possible that Lewis has played his final game as a Sooner since he figures to be a fairly high pick in the NFL Draft. Even without Lewis' services, Oklahoma is a deserved favorite in the game, but his absence will certainly make things easier on the Iowa offensive line.

What They're Saying

The Iowa Hawkeyes have long been competitive under head coach Kirk Ferentz, and that includes plenty of postseason success. The Hawkeyes will be going for their fourth consecutive bowl victory in the Insight Bowl, and there are six Iowa players that could finish their college careers a perfect 4-0 in bowl games.

That fact isn't lost on several Hawkeye seniors, according to Randy Peterson of the Des Moines Register:

"

The goal every year is to go to a bowl game, but some of us have a chance to do it a fourth time, safety Jordan Bernstine said in August during the team’s annual media day.

We’ve got a good (bowl) run going, Bernstine said outside the locker room after the Nebraska game.

"

Much of the talk surrounding the Oklahoma football program in recent weeks has had to do with whether quarterback Landry Jones will return to Norman next season. Jones would almost assuredly be a first-round pick the NFL Draft, but he could conceivably help his draft stock if he returns.

One person who is unsure of Jones' decision is head coach Bob Stoops, according to Travis Haney of The Oklahoman:

"

What I feel doesn't matter, Stoops said after OU's Insight Bowl practice at Corona del Sol High School. It's what the young guy thinks about it, and right now he is far from making that decision.

So, right now he's absolutely uncertain what he's going to do. He has plenty of time after the game to analyze it more.

"

Iowa Player to Watch: WR Marvin McNutt

With running back Marcus Coker out of the lineup, the Hawkeyes will likely have a much more aerial-based offensive attack in the Insight Bowl. Paramount in that offensive game plan will be wide receiver Marvin McNutt. The senior receiver had his best collegiate season in 2011, reeling in 78 passes for 1,269 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The Sooners have been susceptible to high-octane passing attacks as their losses to Texas Tech, Baylor and Oklahoma State all featured a host of breakdowns in the secondary. The Hawkeyes aren't exactly a high-volume passing team, but quarterback James Vandenberg is efficient enough to make things happen.

McNutt will undoubtedly be his go-to guy on Friday.

Oklahoma Player to Watch: QB Landry Jones

While skill players have been felled by injuries all around him, Oklahoma quarterback Landry Jones has continued to excel. While it's fair to say Jones and the Sooners came up a bit short in terms of their expectations this season, Jones did put up huge numbers in the form of 4,302 passing yards and 28 touchdowns.

Jones still has talent around him, but he has continued to play well without his No. 1 running back and top target in the passing game. There is a distinct possibility that the Insight Bowl could be Jones' final collegiate game, so he will want to go out with a bang.

If Jones puts on a virtuoso performance, then his draft stock could improve considerably.

Key Matchup: OT Riley Reiff vs. DE Frank Alexander

While it may not always be apparent to the naked eye, Iowa's best player is offensive tackle Riley Reiff. He is fantastic in every aspect and is a virtual lock to go in the top 10 in the NFL Draft. His ability to lock down opposing pass-rushers has really helped quarterback James Vandenberg's game and his run-blocking ability has made running back Marcus Coker a star.

Reiff will be tested in a big way on Friday as he figures to work against Oklahoma defensive end Frank Alexander. On a Sooner defense that is full of talent, Alexander led the team in sacks this season with 8.5. He will face his toughest test yet in Reiff and the winner of this mini-matchup could have a major influence on the overall result of the game. 

Prediction

Oklahoma 38, Iowa 17