Tennessee loses key receiver for TaxSlayer Bowl vs. Iowa

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee will be without one of its top offensive standouts in its TaxSlayer bowl matchup against Iowa.

Wide receiver Jason Croom was ruled out of the Jan. 2 game in Jacksonville, Fla., Volunteers receivers coach Zach Azzanni said Tuesday.

Azzanni said that Croom hurt his knee during Sunday's practice. Croom, a 6-foot-5, 243-pound sophomore from Norcross, Ga., has 21 catches for 305 yards and is tied for the team lead with four touchdown receptions.

Iowa (7-5) enters the game relatively injury-free. Tennessee (6-6) has lost four receivers to season-ending injuries.

Marquez North had 30 catches for 320 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games before tearing a labrum. Josh Smith sustained a high ankle sprain after catching 10 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown in three games. Cody Blanc tore his Achilles tendon in training camp.