SAN DIEGO–The San Diego County Credit Union Holiday Bowl has its two teams for the game that will take place later this month. The game will feature the Iowa Hawkeyes (9-3) from the Big Ten playing the University of Southern California Trojans (8-4) from the PAC 12 in the match-up, which is set for Dec. 27.
The proximity of 22-ranked USC to San Diego County Credit Union Stadium should help draw a larger crowd, as should the presence of Iowa, which also typically brings a large number of its own fans.
It is the third visit in six years by the Trojans to the game. It is the fourth visit by 16th-ranked Iowa, which has not played in the Holiday Bowl since 1991. The game will feature two teams that both finished the season strong, each winning five of their last six games. There’s a contrast in how they did it, though. USC has one of the nation’s most productive offenses, averaging 463.7 yards a game (18th in the nation) and 33.2 points (36th). Iowa has one of the country’s best defenses, allowing 304.3 yards a game (13th) and 13.2 points (6th).
“I love everything about this matchup,” said Mark Neville, executive director of the Holiday Bowl. “You’ve got two tradition-rich college football programs. I think it’s totally appropriate this being the 150th anniversary of college football and for us to get a matchup of this magnitude. It’s huge.”
Holiday Bowl ticket prices start at $60. The game will be broadcast at 5 p.m. PT on Fox Sports 1.