CBS bowl game rankings: Iowa football vs. Vanderbilt among the best

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In an age where some feel that bowl games are falling to the wayside, others realize the importance and fun that a postseason game can bring to a team. The Iowa Hawkeyes, a team that is not expecting any opt-outs, are a program that appreciates and respects bowl games.

This postseason, Iowa is headed to Tampa, Fla., for a matchup against an SEC opponent, the Vanderbilt Commodores, in the ReliaQuest Bowl. With Iowa having taken Indiana and Oregon, two College Football Playoff teams, to the brink, this matchup against a 10-2 Vanderbilt team is among the best bowl games of the season, per CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford and his ranking of every bowl game.

10. ReliaQuest Bowl: Iowa vs. Vanderbilt

Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Noon — The Commodores will bring their full arsenal to the Sunshine State with a point to prove as a 10-win SEC team left out of the playoff following the program’s best regular season ever. We fully expect Diego Pavia to suit up, and it’ll be interesting to see Iowa’s defensive game plan against this talented Vanderbilt offense. Iowa’s playing in this game for the seventh time since 2004 but first in seven years. For those attending in Tampa, New Year’s Eve around Ybor City is a good time. – Brad Crawford, CBS Sports

The Commodores are a great test for the Hawkeyes. Led by Heisman Trophy finalist, quarterback Diego Pavia, Vanderbilt is amid its best season in program history and will be hungry for an 11th win to cap off a stellar campaign. On the other side, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz always has his team ready to play bowl games, and should bring a stout defense to go against a talented offense.

Kickoff for the ReliaQuest Bowl is set for 11 a.m. CT on Wednesday, Dec. 31, from Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., and will air on ESPN.

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: CBS bowl game rankings: Iowa football vs. Vanderbilt among the best

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