Bowl season brings plenty of intrigue each year. There are opt-outs, transfers, and new faces getting playing time all over the country. That remains no different for the Iowa Hawkeyes this year.

The Hawkeyes head to Nashville, Tennessee to take on the Missouri Tigers in this year’s bowl rendition. The Big Ten versus SEC matchup brings intrigue with two power conferences squaring off.

Despite some opt-outs from both teams including Iowa’s star running back Kaleb Johnson and Missouri’s star wide receiver Luther Burden III, the matchup has found itself among USA TODAY Sports’ top 10 best bowl games in their rankings of every bowl game.

7. Music City Bowl – No. 20 Missouri vs. Iowa

Date, time, TV: Dec. 30, 2:30 p.m. ET, ESPN. Location: Nashville, Tenn.

There’s a certain fascination that comes with watching Iowa football as the Hawkeyes pride themselves on finding non-traditional ways to win. Unfortunately, a lot of the star power on both teams will be missing due to NFL draft opt-outs, but it shouldn’t lack for intensity. – Eddie Timanus, USA TODAY Sports

This game will pit a strong Iowa defense against a Missouri Tigers team that is built upon the passing game and will give us strength against strength when this kicks off.

Offensively, Iowa is likely getting a key contributor back from injury as Brendan Sullivan is expected to get the nod as the starting quarterback for Iowa.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7