Missouri's victory in the Music City Bowl was largely due to their impressive second-half performance. Trailing 21-14 at halftime, Missouri managed to outscore Iowa 13-3 in the final two quarters. Key to their success were two long field goals by kicker Blake Craig, including a decisive 56-yarder that gave Missouri the lead late in the fourth quarter. Missouri's quarterback, Brady Cook, played a vital role, completing crucial passes and maintaining offensive momentum. Despite Iowa's strong rushing game, Missouri's ability to capitalize on Iowa's mistakes and penalties proved decisive in their comeback victory [1].

Iowa began the Music City Bowl with a promising performance, leading 21-14 at halftime. The Hawkeyes' offense was spearheaded by quarterback Brendan Sullivan, who completed 14-of-18 passes for 131 yards, and running back Kamari Moulton, who rushed for 96 yards. Kaden Wetjen's 100-yard kickoff return for a touchdown was a highlight of the first half. However, Iowa struggled in the second half, managing only a field goal and failing to convert key plays, including a crucial fourth-and-one attempt in the final minutes. Penalties and turnovers further hampered their efforts, leading to a disappointing end to their season [1] [3].

The loss to Missouri in the Music City Bowl has left Iowa with several questions heading into the 2025 season. The Hawkeyes face uncertainty at the quarterback position, with Brendan Sullivan and other contenders vying for the starting role. Additionally, Iowa's recruiting and transfer efforts have not yielded significant results, raising concerns about their competitiveness in the Big Ten. The team will also need to address gaps in their roster, particularly in wide receiver talent and defensive strength, as they prepare for the upcoming season. The challenge for Iowa will be to rebuild and contend with stronger conference rivals like Ohio State and Michigan [4].