Iowa football: Hawkeyes react to Holiday Bowl against USC in San Diego

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

An Iowa Hawkeyes Tigerhawk logo ornament hangs on a tree during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive back Michael Ojemudia talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Barbara Burke, senior associate athletics director for sport administration and event management, speaks during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker speaks during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker speaks during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker speaks during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive back Michael Ojemudia talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa defensive end A.J. Epenesa talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

A tree is decorated as players talk with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

A poster featuring Iowa Hawkeyes seniors as comic book characters, with Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley in green, is pictured during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa players Ihmir Smith-Marsette, from left, Michael Ojemudia, A.J. Epenesa and Geno Stone talk with each other during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley talks with reporters during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

The Iowa Hawkeyes' concensus All Americans wall is pictured during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.

Nate Kaeding's 2002 Lou Groza Award is displayed in a trophy case during a press conference following the announcement of the Holiday Bowl destination, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019 at the Hansen Football Performance Center in Iowa City, Iowa.