Iowa (7-5, Big Ten) vs. Kentucky (7-5, Southeastern Conference), Dec. 31, noon ET
LOCATION: Nashville, Tennessee
TOP PLAYERS
Iowa: RB Kaleb Johnson. The first-year back has run for team highs of 762 yards and six touchdowns.
Kentucky: QB Will Levis. Levis said earlier this week he plans to enter the NFL draft and it’s unclear whether he’ll play in the bowl.
NOTABLE
Iowa: The Hawkeyes started 3-4 but won four straight games to climb to bowl eligibility before falling to Nebraska in their regular-season finale.
Kentucky: The Wildcats lost five of eight after a 4-0 start, though Kentucky beat instate rival Louisville to close the regular-season schedule.
LAST TIME
Kentucky 20, Iowa 17 (Jan. 1, 2022, Citrus Bowl)
BOWL HISTORY
Iowa: Second invitation to the Music City Bowl (2020 game was canceled due to COVID-19 issues for opponent Missouri), a program-record 10th consecutive postseason appearance and 35th bowl bid overall.
Kentucky: Sixth appearance in the Music City Bowl, a school-record seventh consecutive bowl appearance and 22nd overall.