Iowa’s football team suffered another shutout defeat by a ranked opponent, losing 35-0 to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl.
In Orlando, prior to any instances of dropped passes, powerful punts, or significant sacks, Cheez-It, the sponsor of the Citrus Bowl, showcased its mascot at midfield with great excitement.
Ched-Z emerged from a large replica of a Cheez-It box amidst lively music and fireworks, only to swiftly return back into the box, resembling a metaphor for the subsequent performance of the Hawkeyes in the game.
Following an initial spark of hope, the 17th-ranked Hawkeyes fell behind by two touchdowns in the second quarter against No. 21 Tennessee at Camping World Stadium, ultimately succumbing to a 35-0 defeat, the largest bowl loss in their program’s history.
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz expressed disappointment, acknowledging that losing is never a pleasant experience.
The fleeting hope for Iowa arose in the first quarter when they reached the Tennessee 4-yard line but failed to convert, resulting in an interception by Deacon Hill.
Ferentz lamented missed opportunities, emphasizing the importance of converting red-zone chances into points to build momentum.
Iowa struggled offensively, averaging a mere 2.8 yards per play, with Hill’s passing game particularly ineffective, leading to his substitution with true freshman Marco Lainez.
Tennessee capitalized on Iowa’s defensive weaknesses, particularly in their rushing attack led by Dylan Sampson and quarterback Nico Iamaleava, who scored three rushing touchdowns.
Despite Iowa’s defensive efforts, Tennessee’s offense proved challenging to contain, with their tempo causing difficulties for the Hawkeyes.
The loss marked Iowa’s third shutout defeat of the season against ranked opponents and concluded Brian Ferentz’s tenure as offensive coordinator.
Despite the disappointing end, the Hawkeyes finished the 2023 season with a 10-4 record, a testament to their resilience and success under Kirk Ferentz’s leadership.
