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Florida Gators Football: Keys To Defeating Iowa Hawkeyes In Outback Bowl

By Maxwell Ogden

Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) throws against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Florida Gators quarterback Austin Appleby (12) throws against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the second quarter of the SEC Championship college football game at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators place kicker Eddy Pineiro (15) kicks a 54 yard field goal during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators place kicker Eddy Pineiro (15) kicks a 54 yard field goal during the second half against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the South Carolina Gamecocks 20-7. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Special Teams

The Florida Gators and Iowa Hawkeyes are two of the most dominant defensive teams in the country. Both can contain the run and dominate against the pass, which creates the potential for a low-scoring affair.

If Florida struggles to move the ball against Iowa’s defense, then it will be on the special teams units to make plays in every phase.

For starters, All-SEC punter Johnny Townsend must pin the Hawkeyes deep in their own territory when he comes onto the field. Florida’s defense is elite, but if the offense won’t help it, then special teams must.

That also means the Gators’ punt and kick coverage teams must prevent the Hawkeyes from coming away with explosive gains.

Kicker Eddy Pieniro struggled early in 2016, but he needs to continue to play at what’s become a high level. He’s made nine consecutive field goals, but he can’t psych himself out; Florida will need him to convert.

Offense and defense receive more praise, but it’s the special teams that often determine the tone of a big game. That will be the case in the Outback Bowl.

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