Right after Christmas, fans will get another present with an exciting matchup between No. 22 USC vs. No. 16 Iowa in the Holiday Bowl on Friday. This will mark the sixth year in a row where the Holiday Bowl features a team from the Pac-12 playing a team from the Big Ten.
USC vs. Iowa
When: Friday, December 27
Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
TV: FS1
Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
Both of these teams come in riding three-game winning streaks, as USC (8-4, 7-2) posted wins against Arizona State, Cal, and UCLA to close out the season. Iowa (9-3, 6-2) had its most impressive win of the season to start its three-game streak, knocking off then-playoff hopeful Minnesota 23-19 on Nov. 16. Iowa then notched wins over Illinois and Nebraska to finish off the regular season.
In typical Pac-12 vs. Big Ten fashion, it will be a battle between offense vs. defense. Who will win out? The Trojans average 33.17 points a game, while the Hawkeyes have only allowed 13.17 points per game. Iowa also boasts a defense that allows the 12th fewest yards per game.
After a rough start to the season, many wondered if USC head coach Clay Helton would be fired come the end of the season. With USC’s resurgence, Helton was given notice that he’ll be back next season. USC holds the edge at quarterback with Kedon Slovis passing for over 3,000 yards, 28 touchdowns and nine interceptions. Iowa QB Nate Staley racked up 2,738 yards passing, 14 touchdowns and seven interceptions. USC wide receiver Michael Pittman has been one of the best wide receivers in the country, racking up 1,222 yards and 11 touchdowns.
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