first one from Mark SchlabachESPN Senior Writer
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa vs. Boston College
(5:15 p.m. ET on ESPN at Yankee Stadium in New York)
Why to watch: The game features a matchup of two of the sport's more underrated tailbacks -- Iowa's
Akrum Wadley and Boston College's
AJ Dillon. Wadley ran for 1,021 yards with nine touchdowns this season; he's only the fourth player in Iowa history to run for more than 1,000 yards in consecutive seasons.
Who to watch: Dillon ran for 1,432 yards with 13 touchdowns, which is the second-highest rushing total by an FBS freshman. He had 1,099 rushing yards in the last six games, which was the most by any player in the FBS.
Motivating factor for Iowa: The Hawkeyes have been no-shows in the postseason recently, losing five bowl games in a row, and the past three weren't even close. A victory would give Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz his 143rd win, which would tie legendary coach Hayden Fry for the most in program history.
Motivating factor for BC: The Eagles head into the postseason on a roll, having won five of their past six games. Their only defeat in that span was a 17-14 loss to NC State. They have a chance to finish 8-5, which would be their most wins in coach Steve Addazio's five seasons.
Prediction: Boston College 21, Iowa 17
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This one from a week or so ago from Adam R.
New Era Pinstripe Bowl: Iowa vs. Boston College
(5:15 p.m. ET on ESPN at Yankee Stadium in New York)
Iowa's recent postseason no-shows make it hard to remember when the Hawkeyes performed well in bowls. They will finally get back on track with running back
Akrum Wadley as the difference-maker in a low-scoring slog at Yankee Stadium.
Prediction: Iowa 19, Boston College 16