THIS WEEK'S GAME: Iowa vs. LSU, Capital One Bowl, Orlando, Fla., Jan. 1 -- Quite the heady destination and opponent for the Hawkeyes, who have overachieved this season and thrived despite injury trouble in the backfield. In order to beat the Tigers, the Hawkeyes will need consistent productivity from QB Drew Tate and a solid performance by the defense.

PLAYERS TO WATCH
QB Drew Tate -- It's been a fantastic year for Tate as he completed 213-of-343 passes for 2,499 yards with 18 TDs and 12 interceptions. Those numbers are good, but his leadership skills and his ability to come up with a big play at a key moment make him special. He was selected the Big Ten first-team quarterback, as chosen by the coaches.

LBs Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge -- These two received a ton of hype before the start of the season and then they went out and played like stars. They have combined for 205 tackles, nine tackles for loss and nine passes defensed.

DT Jonathan Babineaux -- He is a bit undersized at 6-2 and 276 pounds, but Babineaux is exceptionally quick and consistent. In the 30-7 win over Wisconsin, Babineaux was a monster with seven tackles, including three for loss and two sacks, and a fumble recovery.

ROSTER REPORT
Running back Marques Simmons (ankle) should be ready to play by Jan. 1. Running backs Jermelle Lewis (knee), Albert Young (knee) and Marcus Schnoor (knee), fullback Champ Davis (knee), wide receiver Calvin Davis (knee), tight end Mike Follett (back), offensive lineman David Walker (arm) and defensive back Jonathan Zanders (collarbone) are expected to miss the bowl game.

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