Iowa football vs. Vanderbilt expert predictions nationally

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The time has almost arrived for No. 23 Iowa to take on No. 14 Vanderbilt in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

This year's bowl game presents a huge opportunity for Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes: a chance to end a double-digit losing streak to ranked opponents. Iowa hasn't won a game against an AP Top-25 team in over four years, and this ReliaQuest Bowl allows them to get that streak off their backs.

It's also a great opportunity to build momentum for the program heading into the offseason. This game will be the last chance for any recruits or transfers in the portal to watch Iowa this year. A win could lead to more interest from those guys, while a loss could leave a sour taste in their mouths. A lot is riding on this game for the Hawkeyes, despite this being a non-playoff bowl game.

Will the Hawkeyes get it done on New Year's Eve? Here's what the experts have to say about the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl:

Iowa vs. Vanderbilt expert predictions

College Football News: Vanderbilt 23, Iowa 20. College Football News is taking the Commodores in a tight one. Here's more of what they had to say.

"Mr. Pavia is playing. For all his Pavianess, and all the stuff after he didn't win the Heisman, he's still the ultimate competitor, and he really is that good. And Iowa hasn't faced a running quarterback all year.

This has the feel of one of those maddening Iowa performances when things work, but it'll refuse to break character as it hopes to grind things out, rely on the defense, and expect something to come from punt returner extraordinaire Kaden Wetjen.

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski will start to get the passing game going a bit late in the game, but it'll stall, Pavia will get one late shot, and he'll pull through with a drive leading to a walk-off field goal." -Pete Fiutak

ESPN: Vanderbilt 34, Iowa 23. ESPN is rolling with Vandy to pick up a double-digit victory over the Hawks. Here's what they had to say.

"Vanderbilt lobbied aggressively for CFP inclusion, even though the team never entered serious consideration. Diego Pavia and the Commodores still can deliver a strong closing argument against an Iowa team led by the nation's No. 8 scoring defense. Few players have transformed an entire program -- the way it's viewed, the way it sees itself -- as much as Pavia at Vandy the past two seasons.

Iowa will provide a nice test as the Hawkeyes pushed teams such as Indiana and Oregon, even in defeat. But Pavia and the Vanderbilt offense will be too much in this one, as the Commodores secure a once-unthinkable 11th win and a possible top-10 finish." -Adam Rittenberg

Bleacher Report: Vanderbilt 27, Iowa 20. Bleacher Report is backing Clark Lea's Commodores to get a touchdown win over Iowa. Here's more of what they had to say.

"Diego Pavia and his dual-threat brilliance against a rock-solid Iowa defense? Oh, buddy, we cannot wait for this matchup. The one-dimensional nature of Iowa's offense will probably shape the result—Vandy has been solid at stopping the run, too—but Pavia will be scrapping for every yard." -David Kenyon

USA TODAY Sports: Five of six experts at USA Today picked Vanderbilt to win this game. Paul Meyerberg was the lone wolf, picking the Hawkeyes to win.

Fox Sports: Vanderbilt 27, Iowa 26. Fox Sports is choosing Vanderbilt to win a nail-biter on New Year's Eve.

Sports Illustrated: Sports Illustrated is taking Vanderbilt to win and cover the -4.5 points spread. Here's part of what they had to say.

"Vanderbilt has a top-10 scoring offense that’s posting 39.2 points per game while shutting down the run. Its pass defense can be taken advantage of, but that’s not a strong suit for Iowa. The Commodores passing attack is far more impressive than the Hawkeyes’ ground game. The favorites can comfortably win by a touchdown or more." -Ameer Tyree

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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football vs. Vanderbilt expert predictions nationally

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