An important Big Ten clash between Top 20 opponents takes place Saturday afternoon with the Heartland trophy on the line. No. 18 Iowa travels to No. 16 Wisconsin, and while the teams have identical records (6-2, 3-2) this season, Wisconsin has won the last three matchups.
Iowa vs. Wisconsin
- When: Saturday, Nov. 9
- Time: 4:00 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Live Stream: fuboTV (watch for free)
The Hawkeyes offense is all about the passing attack. They are averaging 246.9 YPG, which is roughly 50 more yards a game than the Badgers. Quarterback Nate Stanley has thrown for 10 touchdowns this season and accumulated 1,950 total yards. However, Wisconsin quarterback Jack Coan also has 10 touchdown passes. He’s been incredibly efficient, completing 73 percent of his passes in conference games, but has only three touchdowns and two interceptions in those five games.
Expect a breakout game from Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor. Not only has Taylor had time to rest his body after a bye week, but he’ll want to improve after his season-low 52 yards against Ohio State. Nothing went right for the Badgers on Oct. 26 when they got demolished, 38-7, by the Buckeyes. The offense is focused so much around Taylor that it has struggled in recent weeks without his big plays. Even with the recent drop off for Taylor, Wisconsin is still averaging 216.4 rushing yards per game, while Iowa is averaging 145.8 yards.
The Hawkeyes defense has stepped up in Big Ten play, shutting out four of their last 11 conference opponents. They did that last weekend against Northwestern in a 20-0 win over the Wildcats. Iowa’s run defense is also eighth-best in FBS, allowing 87.8 yards per game.
In his weekly press conference, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz praised Wisconsin’s elite defense, even comparing it to some Pittsburgh Steelers teams of the past. Defensive end Garrett Rand cleared concussion protocol and should play a big role in the game. Senior outside linebacker Zack Baun is among 12 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation’s top linebacker. He leads UW in sacks with nine and is second on the team in tackles with 44.
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