Iowa Football Bowl Game Scenarios

Two weeks ago, the Iowa Hawkeyes had a chance to play in the Big Ten Title Game. Five points and two rivalry losses later, they sit at 7-5 and in fourth place in Big Ten West division. The only question left this season — which December bowl will the Hawkeyes play in?

Although this team had a chance to play a real January bowl as of Week 13, the reality is that the Hawkeyes are very much a December bowl game team. With one of the weakest schedules in the power five conferences, Iowa’s season was definitely a disappointment. But the team did just enough to keep any real heat off of head coach Kirk Ferentz. Most of the fan base’s frustration lies with offensive coordinator Greg Davis, but AD Gary Barta says he and Ferentz won’t discuss big tickets changes until after the team’s bowl game.

“Right now, he’s in the same mode. He’s not ready to break down the season. We’re going to find out what bowl we’re going to. We’re recruiting (this week)… Then when it’s all done, that’s when we’ll break down, where did we need to improve offensively? All that will happen after the season,” Barta said via the Des Moines Register.

So, where will the Hawkeyes be bowling in 2014?

Barta listed five possibilities:

Music City Bowl vs. SEC – Nashville, TN (Dec. 30)

Foster Farms Bowl vs. Pac 12 – Santa Clara, CA (Dec. 30)

Taxslayer Bowl vs. SEC – Jacksonville, FL (Jan. 2)

Holiday Bowl vs. Pac 12 – San Diego, CA (Dec. 27)

Pinstripe Bowl vs. ACC – The Bronx, NY (Dec. 27)

Technically, the Hawkeyes could sneak into another January bowl game in Florida. But as Barta points out, the team will probably be more interested in a trip out West for a change of pace.

“I think San Francisco would be terrific. I think San Diego would be terrific. Going out West, we haven’t gone out West for a bowl for a while, I think that has a lot of merit.”

The Iowa AD also pointed out that fans could drive to a bowl game in Nashville, making it another intriguing option. Based on Barta’s comments, you’d have to consider the Foster Farms, Music City and Holiday Bowls as the favorites.