Around the Big Ten | Matchups, power rankings for bowl season
Sports Editor Austin Hanson previews the Big Ten’s bowl matchups and updates the DI’s league power rankings.
Iowa defensive back Riley Moss celebrates an interception on the sideline during a football game between Iowa and Maryland at Maryland Stadium on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021. The Hawkeyes defeated the Terrapins 51-14. (Jerod Ringwald/The Daily Iowan)
December 14, 2021
Power Rankings
- Michigan — Iowa fans have no reason to contest this ranking.
- Ohio State — Isn’t the Big Ten runner-up supposed to be in the Rose Bowl?
- Michigan State — The Big Ten runner-up should be in an NY6 bowl, right?
- Iowa — Somehow, this team is the Big Ten’s runner-up.
- Minnesota — Kinda wish Minnesota had just lost to Wisconsin in Week 13.
- Wisconsin — I guess Wisconsin is the third-best team in the West?
- Penn State — I will once again say, “We are Penn State” is so cool.
- Purdue — So sad to see David Bell go . . . jk.
- Illinois — Give the 5-7 Illini a bowl, cowards.
- Nebraska — Watch out for the Huskers next year.
- Maryland — Yes, the Terrapins are bowl eligible.
- Rutgers — “Together, Rutgers will be No. 1” — Greg Schiano circa 2019.
- Northwestern — The Wildcats will probably win the Big Ten West in 2022.
- Indiana — I still want Mike Penix Jr. to come to Iowa.
Matchups
Guaranteed Rate Bowl — West Virginia vs. Minnesota
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 28 at 9:15 p.m. on ESPN | Line: MINN -4.0 | O/U: 45.0
I would like to take this time to personally thank Minnesota for giving me the opportunity to cover a Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl — Maryland vs. Virginia Tech
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 29 at 1:15 p.m. on ESPN | Line: MD -1.0 | O/U: 55.0
I don’t know how Maryland is favored to win this game. The Terrapins won three Big Ten games and lost to every ranked opponent they played by 19 points or more.
Transperfect Music City Bowl — Purdue vs. Tennessee
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 30 at 2 p.m. on ESPN | Line: TENN -4.5 | O/U: 63.0
Remember when Iowa was going to play Missouri in this bowl a year ago? Crazy times. Life comes at you fast.
Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl — No. 10 Michigan State vs. No. 12 Pittsburgh
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 30 at 6 p.m. ESPN | Line: MSU -1.5 | O/U: 60.0
This is a New Year’s Six Bowl, and as of Dec. 11, tickets to this game are available for $21. This is the primetime matchup America doesn’t want.
SRS Distribution Las Vegas Bowl — Wisconsin vs. Arizona State
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 30 at 9:30 p.m. on ESPN | Line: WISC -7.0 | O/U: 42.0
Never thought I’d say this, but I think Wisconsin was the third-best team in the Big Ten West Division this year. It was refreshing to not see the Badgers at the top.
Capital One Orange Bowl — No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 3 Georgia
When/Where to Watch: Dec. 31 at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN | Line: GA -7.5 | O/U: 43.5
This may just be because I watched it beat Iowa to a pulp in the Big Ten Championship Game, but I like Michigan to win it all this year.
Outback Bowl — Penn State vs. No. 21 Arkansas
When/Where to Watch: Jan. 1 at 11 a.m. on ESPN2 | Line: PSU -2.0 | O/U: 46.5
It’s always weird to see teams other than Iowa play in this game. I just hope the reporters that cover this bowl get free Bloomin’ Onions.
VRBO Citrus Bowl — No. 15 Iowa vs. No. 22 Kentucky
When/Where to Watch: Jan. 1 at 12 p.m. on ABC | Line: KY -3.0 | O/U: 44.0
This is a cool bowl game, but it seems like a consolation prize when the Rose Bowl or College Football Playoff seemed to be on the table earlier this year.
RELATED: Iowa running back Tyler Goodson declares for NFL Draft, opts out of Citrus Bowl
Rose Bowl — No. 6 Ohio State vs. No. 11 Utah
When/Where to Watch: Jan. 1 at 4 p.m. ESPN | Line: -6.5 | O/U: 66.5
The loser of the Big Ten Championship Game traditionally plays in this bowl when it isn’t part of the College Football Playoff, just sayin’.
