Missouri Tigers @ Iowa Hawkeyes Insight Bowl Free Pick

Missouri Tigers @ Iowa Hawkeyes Insight Bowl Free Pick: Missouri has been a very impressive team this season. As the 12th ranked team in the country, with a 10-2 record, they end up missing out on a big bowl and having to play one of the toughest 7-5 teams in the country. Seems like a tough spot to be in. Not only did they get robbed, but the 7-5 team they get to play is an Iowa team that damn near beat Arizona, Wisconsin, and Ohio State. They lost by 7, 1, and 3 in those three football games. They also beat Michigan State 37-6. What I’m trying to say is this 7-5 Iowa team is one tough out.

Missouri doesn’t get much credit, but they beat some very good football teams this season. They bested San Diego State, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma. Their two losses came on the road at Nebraska and at Texas Tech. Blaine Gabbert has been very impressive as a team leader. The big Junior hasn’t thrown for quite as many yards or touchdowns this year, but he’s done a good job of moving the football without taking unnecessary risks. But while Gabbert may be the better pro prospect, Richard Stanzi has been the better college player.

Stanzi is the unquestioned leader of this Iowa team, and his season has been impressive. Completing nearly 65% of his passes, Stanzi has 25 touchdown passes to just 4 interceptions. Without their leading offensive playmaker, running back Adam Robinson, this game will rely heavily on Richard’s arm. I think he has it in him. The offensive line will need to step up.

I think Iowa is the better team, or at least the team with the higher ceiling. If they play up to their potential, I think they win this one easily.

#12 Missouri Tigers @ Iowa Hawkeyes (+3)