Iowa Football: Ranking The Hawkeyes Big Ten Foes : #2 Wisconsin
Our countdown to kickoff coverage continues with our nine teams in nine days preview series. Iowa drew a tough conference road schedule this season, but no road game will be as tough as their trip to Wisconsin will be. The preseason #9 Wisconsin Badgers will be Iowa’s second toughest opponent in 2017.
When do they play?
November 11th @ Camp Randall Stadium
What you need to know:
Wisconsin has beaten Iowa three of the last four seasons, but ironically all three of their wins came at Kinnick stadium. Iowa’s last trip to Madison resulted in a 10-6 victory during their 12-0 run in 2015. Wisconsin avoids both Penn State and Ohio State in their schedule, but they do host Michigan the week after Iowa, which could lead to the Badgers looking ahead while forgetting the task at hand.
What do they do well?
Wisconsin was absolutely dominant defensively last season, finishing seventh in the country in yards allowed and fourth in the country in points allowed. Wisconsin lost two of their linebackers from that unit to the NFL, but still return eight defensive starters. They’re going to be lethal defensively.
Offensively, Wisconsin is typically dominant on the ground. However, this season may shape up to be a little different. In recent seasons, the Badgers have had all-conference tailbacks in Corey Clement, Melvin Gordon and Montee Ball shouldering the workload. This season they’ll be platooning sophomore Bradrick Shaw and junior Chris James behind four returning starters on the offensive line. I’m not saying their platoon can’t be effective, but it is less likely to be effective then having an established bell cow.
Prediction
With these team’s schedules, it’s possible that Wisconsin enters this game at 9-0 while Iowa could have as many as four losses already. With Michigan coming into town the next week, Wisconsin could be finding themselves peeking at the future just a bit, and that could be enough to give Iowa the edge they need to pull off the upset.
With Wisconsin’s quarterback Alex Hornibrook being a real question mark, Iowa will have to make Wisconsin a one dimensional team offensively. If they let Hornibrook convert on third down and get comfortable in the pocket, Iowa won’t stand a chance. If they can make him a non-factor, they will be able to load the box and focus on stopping Wisconsin’s rushing attack.
Offensively, Iowa will have their work cut out for them. Wisconsin only gave up 98 ypg on the ground last season, while Iowa averaged over 171 ypg rushing. It’s an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object, something has got to give. With Iowa coming to Madison a week after playing Ohio State, they should have an idea of how to attack a premiere defense, while Iowa will likely be the best rushing offense that Wisconsin will face by that point in the season. Akrum Wadley has shown time and time again that he has what he takes to shine in these big moments, this moment should be no different. Iowa will catch Wisconsin sleeping early, and make them pay.
Final Score-Iowa 17-Wisconsin 16