- Matchup: Iowa Hawkeyes vs Vanderbilt Commodores
- Event Date: Wednesday, December 31, 2025
- Venue: Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, FL
- Broadcast: ESPN
- Betting Odds: Commodores favored by (-5.5)
- Point Total: 47
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The Vanderbilt Commodores (10-2) are set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) on December 31, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in the ReliaQuest Bowl. According to oddsmakers, the Commodores are 5.5-point favorites, with a total score set at 47.
The Iowa Hawkeyes enter this contest with an 8-4 record for the season. In their last game, they achieved a decisive victory against the Nebraska Cornhuskers, winning 40-16. During that matchup, the Hawkeyes executed 62 plays, accumulating 379 yards. In their rushing attack, they carried the ball 46 times, totaling 213 yards, at an average of 4.6 yards per carry. Defensively, Iowa allowed 231 rushing yards on 36 attempts, yielding 6.4 yards per carry, while they permitted 9 completions out of 24 attempts for a mere 69 passing yards, equating to a completion percentage of 37.5%.
When it comes to scoring, the Iowa Hawkeyes average 28.9 points per game. Their ground game averages 177.8 yards per contest, placing them 45th nationally. Throughout the season, Iowa has amassed a total of 3,782 yards. In terms of touchdowns, they have recorded 10 through the air and 26 on the ground. As a team, the Hawkeyes have registered 208 first downs while committing 34 penalties resulting in 338 yards lost. They have turned the ball over 12 times this season.
On the defensive side, Iowa has allowed 1,898 passing yards, ranking them 5th in the nation. They permit an average of 158.2 passing yards per game with a completion percentage of 56.8%. Overall, the Hawkeyes allow an average of 270.6 yards per game, placing them 7th in Division 1. They have yielded 7 touchdown passes and 11 rushing touchdowns, giving up an average of 3.5 yards per carry and 112.4 yards per game on the ground. This season, they have surrendered a total of 1,349 rushing yards across 12 games, ranking 7th in Division 1 for points allowed, giving up just 15.2 points per game.
Meanwhile, the Vanderbilt Commodores boast a 10-2 record this season. Their most recent performance was a commanding win over the Tennessee Volunteers, finishing 45-24. Vanderbilt had impressive offensive statistics with a total of 582 yards over 65 plays, averaging 9.0 yards per play. Their rushing attack averaged 8.5 yards per carry, recording 314 yards on 37 attempts. Defensively, Vanderbilt conceded 83 rushing yards on 31 attempts, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. In terms of passing defense, they allowed a completion rate of 65.9%, giving up 299 yards on 29 of 44 attempts.
The Commodores rank 8th nationally in scoring, averaging 39.4 points per game. They compile 468.5 total yards per contest, placing them 12th in the nation in offensive statistics. Their offense has incurred 738 yards in penalties through 80 infractions, ranking 46th nationwide. Vanderbilt has thrown 8 interceptions this season while also giving up 4 fumbles, accumulating 292 first downs. They have passed for a total of 3,391 yards, ranking 13th in Division 1 with an average of 282.6 passing yards per game. Additionally, the Commodores average 185.9 rushing yards per game, totaling 2,231 yards for the season.
On the defensive end, Vanderbilt concedes 21.9 points per game, positioning them 42nd in Division 1. They have permitted 1,240 rushing yards this season (an average of 103.3 yards per game) and 8 rushing touchdowns. In terms of pass defense, they have allowed 22 touchdowns and an average of 252.5 passing yards per game, ranking them 122nd in college football. Their defense has been on the field for 781 plays, ranking them 34th nationally, and they have produced 7 fumble recoveries and 7 interceptions, contributing to a total of 263 points allowed this season.
Who will emerge victorious in the college football showdown between the Hawkeyes and Commodores against the spread?
Recommendation: Back the Commodores -5.5
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