15* Iowa/Oklahoma CFB Friday Night BAILOUT on Iowa +14

Iowa vs. Oklahoma, 12/30/2011 22:00 EDT, Score: 14 - 31

Point Spread: +14/-105 Iowa

Sportsbook: TopBet

Result: Loss

The Iowa Hawkeyes should not be catching double-digits against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl tonight. Iowa always plays well in bowl games, and the Sooners are clearly short-handed and not the same dominant team they were supposed to be coming into the year.

While the Hawkeyes (7-5) were likely thrilled to be invited back to Tempe after winning this bowl game last season, Oklahoma (9-3) should be disappointed it's not at least playing in nearby Glendale. That's where the Sooners were at this time last year for the Fiesta Bowl, beating Connecticut 48-20.

Another trip to a BCS bowl remained within their reach entering the season finale against Oklahoma State despite two surprising Big 12 defeats having ruined their national championship hopes. Oklahoma could have claimed a share of the conference title and the Big 12's BCS berth, but an already mediocre second half of the season turned into a virtual disaster with a 44-10 loss.

Leading rusher Dominique Whaley and top receiver Ryan Broyles each went down with season-ending injuries for Oklahoma in the second half of the season. It may be no coincidence that quarterback Landry Jones had no TD passes and five interceptions in the three games Broyles missed as Oklahoma went 1-2. More recent injuries have left Stoops' team further depleted. Starting wideout Jaz Reynolds (kidney), tailback Brandon Williams (neck) and fullback Aaron Ripkowski (back) will miss this game.

Iowa has won a school-record three straight bowl games. They beat Missouri in the Insight Bowl after a down regular season, and they'll be looking to upset a similar opponent from the Big 12 after a down regular season once again this year. Head coach Kirk Ferentz always gets his teams to play well during bowl season. Quarterback James Vandenberg threw 23 touchdowns and only six interceptions this year, and he's fully capable of leading this team to victory.

Iowa is 11-1 ATS in their last 12 versus good offensive teams - scoring 37 or more points/game. The Hawkeyes are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 games as an underdog of 10.5 or greater. Iowa is 4-0 ATS in their last 4 bowl games. The Hawkeyes are a perfect 5-0 ATS in their last 5 bowl games as an underdog. Iowa is 34-16-1 ATS in their last 51 games following a loss. Take Iowa Friday.