Back-to-back losses to Ohio State and MI put Wisconsin in a hole in its own division.
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No. 10 Wisconsin’s challenging October continues Saturday with a road game against archrival Iowa.
But now that UW has navigated the nation’s most hard early-season schedule to establish itself as a top-10 team, the real work has just begun. “It’s going to be a hard-fought game”.
The Badgers have been stingy against the run, allowing 106.2 yards per game to rank behind only MI among Big Ten defenses. “Wisconsin has a defense”. The way the Badgers practice makes for a smooth transition during games. He and fellow linebacker T.J. Watt might prove to be a handful for an offensive line that could be without starters Cole Croston and Boone Myers.
Wisconsin typically doesn’t beat itself. The Badgers went seven consecutive quarters in September without a penalty.
Iowa will need to avoid the mistakes it has been making.
Iowa prediction roundtable with the Campus Insiders staff. Breaking down what will happen in Saturday’s battle for the Heartland Trophy between the Badgers and Hawkeyes. “I think we’ve got a lot of guys that want to do everything we can to win”. The victor of the last two meetings between these teams has won the division – and Wisconsin is likely out of the race with a loss. Wisconsin freshman QB Alex Hornibrook has really grown up during his time under center and has given the Badgers a chance to win both of their tough games.
He said the team learned how to deal with success in its 30-6 win over Michigan State, a week before a 14-7 loss to Michigan.
Tight end Troy Fumagalli has been Wisconsin’s receiving leader, catching 23 passes on the season. He also lost a fumble a week ago against Ohio State and had another (against Akron) earlier in the year overturned on a replay.
“It’s kind of helped me have a better understanding of the whole defense, in that it helps me play a little faster, a little freer, ” Cichy said. Cichy was named Big Ten defensive player of the week. The Badgers’ defense has given up 12 sacks, sixth in the league.
Iowa’s most consistent offensive threats reside in the backfield – tailbacks LeShun Daniels and Akrum Wadley.
Injury issues complicate things as well.
Coaches: Wisconsin’s Paul Chryst (33-24, fifth season) vs. Kirk Ferentz (144-110, 21st season).
The Hawkeyes have done so with a balanced running attack that features two backs separated by three rushing yards this season.
Is it real? Is it a mirage?
It was yet another physical installment of the Wisconsin-Iowa rivalry, and for the sixth straight game between these two programs, the road team came away with the victory. Wisconsin added to its lead in the second half when Clement redeemed himself with a 1-yard touchdown run to make it 14-6. Wisconsin gave Ohio State all they could handle in this game, as it was one of the most thrilling games this season. On the flip side, Wisconsin has spent its last two games in fist fights with two of the top five teams in the country.
This week when the Badgers come to town it’s not likely to be so easy.
So far, UW has shown itself to be a very good team, especially after playing Ohio State and MI on mostly even terms in its last two games. “The more games I play, the more I’ve learned”. They then managed to lose back-to-back games to a couple of national title contenders and stay in the top 10 thanks to their effort and ability to pass the eye test of the voters.
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The Badgers are second in the Big Ten in rushing defense, and third in total defense. Riley McCarron led in receiving with 74 yards and a touchdown in four catches while George Kittle had 31 yards in two receptions. If Iowa can win the time of possession, they’ll have a better shot at winning this game.
