March 19, 2024

Iowa accepts invite to Outback Bowl, will play Florida

IOWA CITY — For the fifth time in program history, the Iowa football team is headed to Tampa, Fla.

The Hawkeyes accepted an invitation to the 2017 Outback Bowl on Sunday.

Iowa is 2-2 in its previous four visits to the bowl. LSU defeated Iowa 21-14 in 2014.

Before that, the Hawkeyes dominated South Carolina (31-10) in 2009, lost to Florida 31-24 in 2006 and crushed the Gators 37-17 in 2004.

This season, No. 21 Iowa will see a familiar opponent, as 20th-ranked Florida (8-4) also accepted an invitation to the Outback Bowl. The game will be played at Raymond James Stadium on Monday, Jan. 2, and will be televised by ESPN.

“I think I speak for everybody involved in our program, all of our players, all of our coaches, our staff members,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “It’s just a real honor, and we’re all looking forward to the challenge of playing the University of Florida. What a traditional program and strong football team.”

Iowa has posted a 14-14-1 record in 29 previous bowl appearances.

The 2017 Outback Bowl marks the 10th January bowl game for the Hawkeyes under Ferentz.

The Hawkeyes tied for second in the Big Ten Conference West Division with a record of 8-4, including 6-3 in Big Ten play.

The Hawkeyes won their final three games of the season, including home wins over No. 3 Michigan (14-13) and No. 15 Nebraska (40-10).

The Hawkeyes are 11-13 all-time against current teams in the SEC.

Iowa ranks third among Big Ten teams in bowl appearances and is bowl eligible for the 14th time under Ferentz.

The Hawkeyes have posted a 6-7 bowl record under Ferentz, including wins in four January bowl games.

Since the 2001 season, no Big Ten team has won more bowl games, or has a higher winning percentage in bowl games, than Iowa.

“We are excited and honored to be selected to participate in the 2017 Outback Bowl,” Iowa Director of Athletics Gary Barta said. “Coach Kirk Ferentz, his entire staff, and our student-athletes closed the season with three impressive victories, and their hard work and commitment to the program has been rewarded.”