In a remarkable return to their historic rivalry, the Iowa Hawkeyes and Missouri Tigers are set to clash on Monday at 1:30 p.m. CT in Nashville, Tennessee. This marks only the 14th meeting between these two programs, with their last encounter occurring over a century ago in the 2010 Insight Bowl. Despite being separated by approximately 200 miles, the teams have only faced each other twice since 1910. The series history is rich with drama and controversy, including significant social issues that influenced their playing schedule.
The Return of an Old Rivalry
On this crisp autumn day in Nashville, Tennessee, the Iowa Hawkeyes (8-4) will take on the No. 20 ranked Missouri Tigers (9-3) in the Music City Bowl. This game holds special significance as it represents just the second matchup between these teams in over a century. The first modern-era contest was held in Tempe, Arizona, on December 28, 2010, where Iowa emerged victorious with a score of 27-24. Historically, the series dates back to the late 19th century, with the teams competing annually from 1892 to 1910. However, due to various reasons, including racial tensions and logistical challenges, they ceased playing each other for over a hundred years.
The last time these teams met in 1910, Iowa's coach Jess Hawley refused to continue the rivalry after Missouri barred Archie Alexander, a Black player from Iowa, from participating. The incident, coupled with unsportsmanlike conduct and extreme weather conditions, led Hawley to declare he would never play Missouri again. It wasn't until 2010 that the teams resumed their rivalry in the Insight Bowl.
This year’s game also carries historical weight as it will be the latest calendar-year matchup between the two teams. Missouri leads the overall series 7-6, with their most recent victory dating back to 1910. Meanwhile, Iowa's last win came in the 2010 bowl game.
Additionally, the 2020 Music City Bowl, originally scheduled between these teams, was canceled due to a surge in COVID-19 cases within the Missouri program. This further underscores the unpredictable nature of sports and how external factors can impact long-standing traditions.
The upcoming game promises to be a thrilling event, not only for its competitive aspect but also for its symbolic importance in bridging a century-old gap in their shared history.
From a journalist's perspective, this renewed rivalry offers a poignant reminder of the progress made in sports and society. The fact that Iowa and Missouri are once again facing each other on the field highlights the strides taken toward inclusivity and equality. While past injustices cannot be erased, the present moment allows us to celebrate the advancements and look forward to a future where such barriers no longer exist. This game serves as a powerful testament to the resilience and unity found in sport.