No. 21 Tennessee and No. 17 Iowa will clash in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl on New Year’s Day.
The game between the Volunteers and Hawkeyes will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida, at 1:00 p.m. ET on January 1, 2024.
Tennessee’s offense will look for success in a highly challenging game against Iowa’s sharp defense. The Hawkeyes rank fifth in the nation in total defense while holding opponents to an average of just 13.23 points per game.
After the announcement was officially made on Sunday afternoon, both Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel and Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media via a zoom conference call to discuss their reaction and excitement to be in the Citrus Bowl.
Heupel spoke about returning to the city of Orlando, managing his roster during times of transfer portal and opt-out uncertainty, and the challenge of playing Iowa.
“They’re big, strong, physical (at the) first and second level,” Heupel said during the video call on Sunday evening. “Have really good athletes on the third level of the defense. You look statistically, they’re always difficult to run the football against. They typically do a great job on third downs. You look at them statistically this year, their pass defense is one of the best in their league, but across the country as well. They make you earn it. They’re not gonna give you anything.”
No. 21 Tennessee will play No. 17 Iowa in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl in Orlando on New Year’s Day at 1:00 p.m. ET.
More from RTI: Tennessee Football Outgoing Transfer Portal Tracker
Check out both Citrus Bowl opening press conferences below:
Tennessee HC Josh Heupel
Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz
