Orlando bowls set lineups with Iowa, Iowa State
It’s a small world after all when Iowa State and Iowa football fans find themselves in Central Florida for the holidays with both programs set to make appearances, respectively, in the Cheez-It and Vrbo Citrus bowls at Camping World Stadium.
Iowa State is making its second postseason appearance in Orlando, the first since the 2019 Camping World Bowl against Notre Dame. The Cyclones (7-5, 5-4 Big 12) take on No. 19 Clemson (9-3, 6-2 ACC) in the Cheez-It Bowl on Dec. 29.
The game kicks off at 5:45 p.m. and airs on ESPN. It’s the first meeting between the two.
Clemson is making its fourth postseason appearance in Orlando and first since 2014. The Tigers also played in bowl games here in 2005 and 2002.
“One of the things you’re beyond grateful for and it reflects on our program is where we’ve continued to work to grow is to be able to play opponents and first-class programs like this,” said Iowa State coach Matt Campbell, “to see where you’re at, to continue to build your program the right way and play against people who have built it the right way.”
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney hasn’t seen much of the Cyclones, but he’s impressed with them.
“All I know is that they’re a tough out,” said Swinney. “Simple as that. They’ve been an incredibly consistent program, and they can beat anybody. They’re incredibly well-coached, passionate about what they’re doing and you see that when you watch them play.”
Iowa is making its second postseason appearance in the Citrus Bowl after first appearing in the 2005 Capital One Bowl.
The No. 15 Hawkeyes (10-3, 7-3 Big Ten) will take on No. 22 Kentucky (9-3, 5-3 SEC) in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1. The game kicks off at 1 p.m. and airs on ABC.
“For us to have a chance to compete against their football team, we’ll have our hands full,” said Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. “We as a team are certainly anxious to get back on the field, I’ll know that we’re gonna be ready.”
The Wildcats’ only appearance in Orlando occurred in the 2018 Citrus Bowl when they upset Penn State, 27-24.
Kentucky coach Mark Stoops is familiar with Iowa, having played defensive back at the school from 1986-88 before eventually becoming a graduate assistant on the Hawkeyes staff from 1990-91 under former Hall of Fame coach Hayden Fry. Current Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz was the offensive line coach during Stoops’ time.
This is the first meeting between the two.
Fans can purchase tickets for the Cheez-It and Citrus bowls at ticketmaster.com.
The Tailgreeter Cure Bowl will feature Northern Illinois (9-4, 6-2 MAC) facing off against Coastal Carolina (10-2, 6-2 Sun Belt). The game will kick off at 6 p.m. on Dec. 17 at Exploria Stadium and air on ESPN2.
Northern Illinois wrapped up its sixth Mid-American Conference championship Saturday with a 41-23 win over Kent State. The bowl will mark the Huskies’ first postseason visit to Orlando and the program’s first bowl game since 2018.
“Anytime you can play in a bowl game that has a tie to helping improve lives and come up with a cure for cancer, it’s tremendous,” said NIU coach Thomas Hammock. “With the exposure of a bowl game locally and in the areas of the two teams competing, we’re pleased to be able to contribute to this cause.”
Coastal Carolina is returning to Cure Bowl after appearing in last year’s game in which the Chanticleers lost to Liberty 37-34.
“We are excited to be returning to the Tailgreeter Cure Bowl this season, the same place we made history last year with our program’s first-ever postseason bowl appearance,” said Coastal Carolina coach Jamey Chadwell. “Our team is excited to represent our conference once again on a national level and to play on the field together as a team one more time this season.”
Fans can purchase tickets for the Cure Bowl online.