The Music City Bowl needs to be renamed the Backup Bowl
On paper, the Music City Bowl looked like a pretty intriguing matchup between two notable 7-5 programs, Iowa and Kentucky.
On paper, it was Iowa's prolific defense (just 14.4 points per game against) versus a Wildcats' offense, led by quarterback Will Levis, scoring 22.1 and putting up 336.3 yards per game.
No, it wasn't supposed to be Ali vs. Frazsier, but it would have been interesting to see how Levis — one of the more notable quarterbacks in the country — would fare against Iowa's defense.
That won't be the case anymore, though, as Levis, a senior, didn't just announce his intentions to join the NFL Draft, but he announced he'd be skipping the Music City Bowl as well.
"I have decided to forego my final college football game, look to that next step, and declare for the 2023 NFL Draft," Levis said on Twitter. “To my teammates, UK staff members, Wildcat community, and BBN, I cannot thank you enough. I’ll forever be indebted to all those who I had the pleasure to cross paths with here, and my immense love for you will remain strong in my heart, forever.”
What at first, looked like an interesting game has now been decimated, and not just by Levis deciding to forego the contest.
Iowa's starter for much of the season, fifth-year senior quarterback Spencer Petras, will miss the bowl game because of shoulder surgery.
His backup this season, Alex Padilla, has already entered the transfer portal.
The Hawkeyes will roll with one of two freshman quarterbacks, Joe Labas or Carson May, for the bowl game. Neither has attempted a college pass.
The Wildcats could go to redshirt freshman Kaiya Sheron, who at least has some experience this season.
He appeared in four games and completed 17-of-29 passes for 187 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception.
Former Iowa backup Duece Hogan is on the roster as is freshman Destin Wade, but neither accumulated any stats this season.
The Backup Bowl, coming to a television near you soon.
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