The 2024 Music City Bowl showcased a thrilling matchup between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Missouri Tigers at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee. In a game filled with excitement and drama, the Tigers emerged victorious with a final score of 27-24, overcoming a halftime deficit to claim the win.
Game Summary: A Thrilling Finish
Missouri’s comeback was nothing short of spectacular. After trailing 21-14 at halftime, the Tigers rallied in the second half, scoring 13 unanswered points in the fourth quarter. The decisive moment came when kicker Blake Craig nailed a pair of long field goals, including a 56-yarder that put Missouri ahead for good. With the Hawkeyes unable to score in the final quarter, the Tigers celebrated a hard-fought victory.
First Half Highlights
The first half saw both teams exchanging blows. Iowa struck first with a 6-yard touchdown pass from Brendan Sullivan to Terrell Washington Jr., capping an impressive 8-play, 70-yard drive. Missouri quickly responded with an 8-yard touchdown pass from Brady Cook to Theo Wease Jr., finishing a 10-play, 85-yard drive.
But Iowa wasn’t done yet! Just 1:59 into the first quarter, Kaden Wetjen electrified the crowd with a 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown, regaining the lead for the Hawkeyes. The back-and-forth continued, with Missouri tying the game at 14-14 early in the second quarter. Iowa managed to retake the lead with a 1-yard touchdown run by Kamari Moulton, resulting in a halftime score of 21-14.
Second Half Changes
As the second half began, Iowa extended their lead with a 38-yard field goal by Drew Stevens. However, Missouri quickly responded with a 4-yard touchdown run by Joshua Manning, narrowing the gap to 24-21. The stage was set for a dramatic finish.
Star Performers
Brady Cook was undoubtedly the star of the game for Missouri, completing 18 of 32 passes for 287 yards and two touchdowns. He also showcased his versatility with 54 rushing yards on 14 carries. His leadership on the field was instrumental in guiding the Tigers to victory.
On the other side, Iowa’s Brendan Sullivan had a solid performance, completing 14 of 18 passes for 131 yards and one touchdown. However, the Hawkeyes struggled to maintain their offensive momentum in the second half, ultimately falling short in the final moments of the game.
Scoring Breakdown
The scoring breakdown illustrates the ebb and flow of the game:
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1st Quarter:
- 7:49 – Iowa 6-yard touchdown pass (Sullivan to Washington Jr.)
- 2:12 – Missouri 8-yard touchdown pass (Cook to Wease Jr.)
- 1:59 – Iowa 100-yard kickoff return (Wetjen)
Score: Iowa 14, Missouri 7
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2nd Quarter:
- 13:28 – Missouri 7-yard touchdown pass (Cook to Johnson)
- 0:49 – Iowa 1-yard touchdown run (Moulton)
Halftime Score: Iowa 21, Missouri 14
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3rd Quarter:
- 5:19 – Iowa 38-yard field goal (Stevens)
- 1:49 – Missouri 4-yard touchdown run (Manning)
Score: Iowa 24, Missouri 21
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4th Quarter:
- 10:10 – Missouri 51-yard field goal (Craig)
- 4:36 – Missouri 56-yard field goal (Craig)
Final Score: Missouri 27, Iowa 24
Team Statistics
The statistics from the game reveal the competitive nature of this matchup.
Iowa Hawkeyes:
- Total yards: 297
- Rushing yards: 166
- Passing yards: 131
- Turnovers: 1
Missouri Tigers:
- Total yards: 376
- Rushing yards: 89
- Passing yards: 287
- Turnovers: 0
The disparity in total yards and the lack of turnovers for Missouri played a crucial role in their success. The Tigers’ ability to capitalize on their opportunities while limiting mistakes ultimately paved the way for their victory.
Looking Ahead
This thrilling contest not only showcased the talent of both teams but also set the stage for an exciting offseason. With standout performances from players like Brady Cook and Brendan Sullivan, fans can expect to see these athletes continue to develop and shine in their respective programs.
As college football fans, we are reminded of the unpredictability and excitement that bowl games bring. The Music City Bowl was a testament to the spirit of competition, and both teams left everything on the field. What a remarkable way to wrap up the college football season!
