The TransPerfect Music City Bowl is scheduled to kick off on Dec. 31 at noon ET during the 2022-23 College Football Bowl Season. The game is held at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, home of the Titans. In complete contrast to last year’s 93-point outing, the Iowa Hawkeyes (7-5) play the Kentucky Wildcats (7-5) in a game with the lowest opening point total of Bowl Season. Below, we’ll look at Music City Bowl odds and bowl history.
Music City Bowl odds: Iowa Vs. Kentucky
To place a bet on the Music City Bowl, click on the odds in the table below. Toggle between spread, moneyline, total, or a blended view using the dropdown menu. Compare College Bowl Game Odds for every contest here.
Iowa is a favorite over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. This game features a record-low point total, a number that’s stayed this low since opening at 32.5.
Rumored first-round QB Will Levis opted out of the game for Kentucky, along with workhorse running back Chris Rodriguez. Any aspirations of offense from the Wildcats– who relieved their offensive coordinator of his duties earlier– are gone now. Backup Kaiya Sheron attempted 29 passes for two touchdowns and an interception this season. Starting corner Carrington Valentine is also out for the NFL Draft.
On the other side, Iowa has its fair share of QB questions. Starter Spencer Petras is injured and won’t play while backup Alex Padilla hit the transfer portal to find a new home. Under Brian Ferentz, the quarterback doesn’t make much of a difference. The offense finished 127th in EPA, 116th in success rate, and 119th in points per drive on the season.
More Hawkeyes to hit the portal include top receiver Keagan Johnson, linebacker Jestin Jacobs, and running back Gavin Williams.
With such a low total, points are extremely valuable. The move from Kentucky -3.5 to Iowa -2.5 is a major shift and should be paid attention to. However, keep an eye out for the status of guys like Jack Campbell and Riley Moss– two All American defenders.
With just 29% representation in bowl confidence pools, Iowa is an excellent contrarian choice worthy of being in the top tier of your pools.
Notable Opt Outs
Kentucky: QB Will Levis, RB Chris Rodriguez, CB Carrington Valentine
Iowa: QB Alex Padilla, WR Keagan Johnson, LB Jestin Jacobs, RB Gavin Williams, SAF Kaevon Merriweather
Music City Bowl betting
Last year’s Music City Bowl was a high-scoring thriller that was marred by controversy. The Vols appeared to take a lead in overtime, but officials called Tennessee’s ball carrier down inches short of the goal line and Purdue beat Tennessee 48-45. Tennessee was a 7.5-point favorite in the game and the point total, which went over, was set at 65.5 points.
Purdue became the third underdog in four bowls to cash (note: 2020’s game was cancelled).
Previous Years
While underdogs have reigned king recently, the all-time series is knotted up 11-11-1. The last two underdogs to cover– Purdue and Louisville (2019)– were also outright winners. All time, nine underdogs won outright, but it was a more common occurrence pre-2010. Unders are 12-10 all-time, but overs have cashed in four of the last five outings.
History
Below are historical results of the Music City Bowl.
The first Music City Bowl was played in 1998, where Virginia Tech dominated Alabama 38-7.
| Date | Winner | Score | Loser | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December 31, 2022 | Iowa | 21 | Kentucky | 0 |
| December 30, 2021 | Purdue | 48 | Tennessee | 45 (OT) |
| December 30, 2019 | Louisville | 38 | Mississippi State | 28 |
| December 28, 2018 | Auburn | 63 | Purdue | 14 |
| December 29, 2017 | No. 20 Northwestern | 24 | Kentucky | 23 |
| December 30, 2016 | Tennessee | 38 | No. 24 Nebraska | 24 |
| December 30, 2015 | Louisville | 27 | Texas A&M | 21 |
| December 30, 2014 | Notre Dame | 31 | No. 22 LSU | 28 |
| December 30, 2013 | Ole Miss | 25 | Georgia Tech | 17 |
| December 31, 2012 | Vanderbilt | 38 | NC State | 24 |
| December 30, 2011 | Mississippi State | 23 | Wake Forest | 17 |
| December 30, 2010 | North Carolina | 30 | Tennessee | 27 (2OT) |
| December 27, 2009 | Clemson | 21 | Kentucky | 13 |
| December 31, 2008 | Vanderbilt | 16 | Boston College | 14 |
| December 31, 2007 | Kentucky | 35 | Florida State | 28 |
| December 29, 2006 | Kentucky | 28 | Clemson | 20 |
| December 30, 2005 | Virginia | 34 | Minnesota | 31 |
| December 31, 2004 | Minnesota | 20 | Alabama | 16 |
| December 31, 2003 | Auburn | 28 | Wisconsin | 14 |
| December 30, 2002 | Minnesota | 29 | No. 25 Arkansas | 14 |
| December 28, 2001 | Boston College | 20 | No. 16 Georgia | 16 |
| December 28, 2000 | West Virginia | 49 | Ole Miss | 38 |
| December 29, 1999 | Syracuse | 20 | Kentucky | 13 |
| December 29, 1998 | Virginia Tech | 38 | Alabama | 7 |
FAQ
When is the 2022 Music City Bowl?
The 2022 Music City Bowl will be played on Dec. 31, 2022 at noon ET.
Where is the Music City Bowl?
Nissan Stadium in Nashville hosts the Music City Bowl.
Who is playing in the 2022 Music City Bowl?
Iowa plays Kentucky in the 2022 Music City Bowl.