Back in Outback Bowl, Iowa is underdog vs Mississippi State

In his 20 seasons leading the Iowa Hawkeyes, Kirk Ferentz has coached as many games in Tampa as in Ann Arbor, Michigan, or Columbus, Ohio. And he's back for another one. The Hawkeyes make their sixth Outback Bowl appearance Tuesday when they face No. 18 Mississippi State. Sure, Ferentz and the Hawkeyes (8-4) would rather play in a New Year's Six bowl. But because they lost three consecutive Big Ten games by a total of 12 points, they instead drew a return trip to Florida's west coast. And they're likely to have their hands full against the Bulldogs (8-4), who have a stout defense and are favored by a touchdown in their first Outback Bowl appearance.