NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BCSNN) — Iowa quarterback Brendan Sullivan will start in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl against Missouri on Dec. 30, head coach Kirk Ferentz announced Friday. Sullivan, who missed the final two regular-season games with an ankle injury, has returned to full health and is ready to lead the Hawkeyes to a post-season trophy.

Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern, sustained the injury during a Nov. 11 loss at UCLA to return for Music City Bowl. Despite missing those games, he has thrown for 344 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions this season, along with 144 rushing yards and four scores. Jackson Stratton, a walk-on who started in Sullivan's absence, will serve as the backup quarterback for the bowl game to return for Music City Bowl.

Ferentz expressed confidence in Sullivan's readiness, stating, "He feels fully confident to return for Music City Bowl. The injury is in the history now, it’s passed to return for Music City Bowl. Just getting caught up because he missed a couple weeks there to return for Music City Bowl." Sullivan's return is a significant boost for Iowa as they prepare to face Missouri in Nashville, Tennessee.

The Hawkeyes are optimistic about their chances in the bowl game with Sullivan back at the helm. Iowa's offense will look to capitalize on his dual-threat abilities to challenge Missouri's defense and secure a victory in the 2024 Music City Bowl.