Bowl Breakdown: Outback No. 16 Florida (8-3) vs. No. 25 Iowa (7-4) Jan. 2, 11 a.m. (ESPN) Raymond James Stadium (65,000) Tampa, Fla.

SI.com's Stewart Mandel analyzes the matchup.

Breaking down Florida

Chad Jackson leads the Gators with 81 catches for 824 yards and nine touchdowns. Bill Frakes/SI

The Gators' offensive line struggled mightily against more athletic defenses, forcing coach Urban Meyer to shelve his preferred spread formations to add tight ends and fullbacks as blockers. Third-year quarterback Chris Leak is an excellent passer, but not much of a threat to run. Receiver Chad Jackson is a big-time playmaker. Tailback DeShawn Wynn had an up-and-down season.

An aggressive, veteran defense ranked seventh in the country in yards allowed. The leader of the unit is senior safety Jarvis Herring. Defensive ends Jeremy Mincey and Jarvis Moss bring tremendous pressure from the outside. Linebackers Earl Everett and Brandon Siler get to the ball-carrier in a hurry. Kicker Chris Hetland connected on 12-of-14 field-goal attempts.    

Breaking down Iowa

The emergence of sophomore tailback Albert Young, the nation's ninth-leading rusher with 1,300 yards, allowed the Hawkeyes to develop a balanced offense. Quarterback Drew Tate didn't put up the big numbers he did in 2004, but he was highly productive and avoided mistakes. He spreads the ball around among his receivers, though Clinton Solomon is the top big-play guy.

All-America linebackers Chad Greenway (147 tackles) and Abdul Hodge (139) had huge seasons once again, keying a tough Iowa rush defense. However, a young defensive line struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks, causing Iowa to give up a bunch of yards through the air. Speedy cornerback Jovon Johnson was the nation's fourth-ranked punt returner.    

Final Analysis

Knowing they won't be able to run much against Greenway and Hodge, the Gators will probably take their shots down field, looking to break big plays with their athletic receivers. Leak, who likely won't face the kind of pressure he did against top SEC defenses, should be more comfortable, and Florida's defense should be able to contain Young.

The pick: Florida 24, Iowa 17.