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The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

The independent newspaper of the University of Iowa community since 1868

The Daily Iowan

Iowa linebacker Jaden Harrell and his paired child Andre Jones put their hands up on a roller coaster during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl Day for Kids at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Citrus Bowl Day for Kids is a 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl sponsored event that hosts both Iowa and Kentucky. Players from both teams grouped up with children and participated in rides and various activities around the theme park.

Watch: Iowa football team participates in Citrus Bowl’s Day for Kids at Fun Spot America theme park

Robert Read, Pregame Editor December 30, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Both the Iowa and Kentucky football teams participated in the Citrus Bowl's Day for Kids at the Fun Spot America theme park on Thursday morning. From riding roller coaster to looking...

Iowa center Tyler Linderbaum watches Young attendee Airbella Rivera as she rides a teacup ride during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl Day for Kids at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Citrus Bowl Day for Kids is a 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl sponsored event that hosts both Iowa and Kentucky. Players from both teams grouped up with children and participated in rides and various activities around the theme park.

By the Numbers | Statistics that stand out for Iowa ahead of the Citrus Bowl

Robert Read, Pregame Editor December 30, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Iowa is close to playing in its first bowl game since 2019. The Hawkeyes were scheduled to play in the Music City Bowl in 2020, but the game was canceled when Missouri, Iowa’s...

Iowa defensive back Kaevon Merriweather uses a TV reporter’s camera to film teammates during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl Day for Kids at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Citrus Bowl Day for Kids is a 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl sponsored event that hosts both Iowa and Kentucky. Players from both teams grouped up with children and participated in rides and various activities around the theme park.

Citrus Bowl marks final game for several of Iowa’s ‘Doughboyz’

Robert Read, Pregame Editor December 30, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Safety Kaevon Merriweather took a break from riding roller coasters and driving go-karts to reminisce about the end of an era for Iowa’s defensive backfield. Merriweather is...

Iowa defensive lineman Griffin Little smiles while on a ride during the Vrbo Citrus Bowl Day for Kids at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 30, 2021. Citrus Bowl Day for Kids is a 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl sponsored event that hosts both Iowa and Kentucky. Players from both teams grouped up with children and participated in rides and various activities around the theme park.

Photos: 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl Day for Kids

Jerod Ringwald and Grace Smith December 30, 2021

The 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl hosted Day for Kids at Fun Spot America Theme Park in Orlando, Fla., on Thursday, Dec. 30.  Iowa and Kentucky attended the event and players paired with kids for rides. The...

Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery approaches the basket during a basketball game betwen Iowa and Western Illinois at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2021. McCaffery made five out of 10 shots. The Hawkeyes defeated the Leathernecks 92-71.

Photos: Iowa men’s basketball vs. Western Illinois

Gabby Drees, Photojournalist December 30, 2021

The Iowa Hawkeyes defeated the Western Illinois Leathernecks 92-71 at Carver-Hawkeye Arena on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Iowa’s lead in the second half diminished to 13 points with Western Illinois...

Iowa forward Keegan Murray shoots a 3-pointer during a men’s basketball game between Iowa and Portland State at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Friday, Nov. 26, 2021. Murray scored 23 points. The Hawkeyes defeated the Vikings 85-51.

Iowa men’s basketball downs Western Illinois, 92-71

Isaac Goffin, Sports Reporter December 30, 2021

Iowa men’s basketball defeated Western Illinois, 92-71, Wednesday night at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. Sophomore forward Keegan Murray, who registered his third double-double of the season, propelled the...

Iowa defensive back Kaevon Merriweather celebrates his swing with defensive back Dane Belton during an event at Topgolf before the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Merriweather had one interception in the 2021 season.

Watch: Iowa football team visits Topgolf during Citrus Bowl outing

Robert Read, Pregame Editor December 29, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Members of the Iowa football team showed off their golf skills, or lack thereof, during a Citrus Bowl-sponsored outing to Topgolf on Wednesday night. The Hawkeyes spent a couple...

Iowa punter Tory Taylor swings a club during an event at Topgolf before the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. A reporter asked Taylor how he was golfing. “Not very well for myself,” Taylor said. “Kinda hitting them everywhere…”

Photos: 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl Topgolf event

Grace Smith and Jerod Ringwald December 29, 2021

The 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl hosted a Topgolf event for both Iowa and Kentucky in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Iowa and Kentucky attended an event at Topgolf before the 2022 Vrbo Citrus...

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker speaks during a press conference for the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl between Iowa and Kentucky at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. The Iowa defense held opponents to 19.2 points per game during the season, but let up 28.7 points per game during the last three games. Parker spoke about preparing for Kentucky’s offense. “I think there's first of all, when you look at Kentucky, they are a well-coached team,” Parker said. “I look at their offensive line, how well-coached they are up front.There are some All-American guys.”

Iowa football notebook | Levis a more polished QB, Ince could bounce back in Citrus Bowl

Robert Read, Pregame Editor December 29, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Between a trip to SeaWorld, attending an Orlando Magic game, and spending time in the Sunshine State’s 80-degree climate, the Hawkeyes have had plenty of time away from the football...

Kentucky running back La’Vell Wright first bumps wide receiver Trey Dennis during a Kentucky practice before the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl matchup against Iowa at Celebration High School in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. The Wildcats rushed for 2,473 yards during the season. In comparison, Iowa rushed for 1,558 yards and lost leading running back Tyler Goodson to the NFL draft process.

Photos: Kentucky 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl open practice

Jerod Ringwald and Grace Smith December 29, 2021

The No. 22 Kentucky Wildcats hosted an open practice on Wednesday, Dec. 29, at Celebration High School in Orlando, Fla. ahead of its matchup with No. 15 Iowa in the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl.  The Wildcats...

A member of the Iowa spirit squad carries an Iowa flag before a basketball game between Iowa and Southeastern Louisiana at Carver-Hawkeye Arena in Iowa City on Tuesday, Dec. 21, 2021. The Hawkeyes defeated the Lions 93-62.

Iowa women’s basketball game against Illinois postponed

Chloe Peterson, Assistant Sports Editor December 29, 2021

The Iowa women’s basketball team’s game against Illinois on Jan. 2 has been postponed because of positive COVID-19 tests within the Illini program, according to a release from Hawkeye Athletics. This...

Iowa running back Ivory Kelly-Martin laughs after a question during a press conference for the 2022 Vrbo Citrus Bowl between Iowa and Kentucky at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando, Fla., on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2021. Kelly-Martin was named the starting running back after running back Tyler Goodson opted out to declare for the NFL draft. Kelly-Martin recorded 190 yards during the season.

Kelly-Martin, Williams to fill in at running back for Iowa football in Citrus Bowl

Austin Hanson, Sports Editor December 29, 2021

ORLANDO, Fla. — Iowa football’s rushing attack will look different than it did during the regular season in this Saturday’s Vrbo Citrus Bowl. Running back Tyler Goodson will not be with the...