Rose Bowl Matchup

No. 5 Iowa (12-1, Big Ten) vs. No. 6 Stanford (11-2, Pac-12), Jan. 1, 5 p.m. EST

LOCATION: Pasadena, Calif.

TOP PLAYERS

Iowa: QB C.J. Beathard hadn't lost a start in his career before the Big Ten title game, and he's the steady leader of a powerful offense after compiling 2,570 yards passing and 15 TD throws against just four interceptions.

Stanford: RB Christian McCaffrey has already broken Barry Sanders' single-season all-purpose yards record, racking up 3,496 yards to earn strong Heisman Trophy consideration.

NOTABLE

Iowa: Coach Kirk Ferentz has made 13 bowl games in the last 15 seasons, but he had never made the Rose Bowl. ... A 13th victory would extend the program's single-season record. ... Lost Big Ten title game to Michigan State on a late touchdown, keeping Hawkeyes out of College Football Playoff.

GET READY TO COMPETE

Pick your champion (you can change it later). We’ll email you when brackets open.

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Stanford: Rebounded from a season-opening loss to Northwestern to win the Pac-12 championship for the third time in four years, beating USC in the title game. ... Starting QB Kevin Hogan is among the Cardinal playing in the third Rose Bowl of their careers ... Seventh straight bowl appearance, a school record.

LAST TIME

First meeting.

BOWL HISTORY

Iowa: First Rose Bowl appearance since 1990 season and sixth overall.

Stanford: Third Rose Bowl appearance in four years and 15th in school history.

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AP college football website: collegefootball.ap.org

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