Been thinking a lot about this one over the past few weeks. I've realized just how important this game is, on multiple levels. If we beat Vandy, we can finally get over the hump of losing to ranked teams. This is arguably the most important aspect of the game. Beating a ranked team with a Heisman finalist at QB would be a huge boon to the program, especially going into the off season on a positive note. Really can't stress enough how important this is. The next ranked opponent we'll play next year will likely be Ohio State or Washington.
Then there are things like continuing the B1G's undefeated bowl streak (or at least keeping us at the top of the pack against other conferences).
Not to mention how many people are going to tune in hoping we take it to Pavia. After his shenanigans off the field, there are a lot of people out there that want to see him humbled.
A lot on the line this game, and I pray that Kirk has the guys ready to go. But Iowa, historically, struggles against elite QBs. I hate to say it, but I think Pavia is too much for our defense. I think our offense will score, because we've played better defenses than Vandy's, but we just don't have the firepower to keep up with a player like Pavia. For the sake of the program ending on the right note this year and starting off on the right foot next year, I pray I'm wrong. These guys deserve the big ranked win they've been looking for.