The Iowa football team and the Wisconsin Badgers return from the bye week and a much-anticipated match up with Big Ten West implications on the line.
The battle for the Heartland Trophy between the Iowa football team and Wisconsin is one of the more storied rivalries in college football. With both Iowa and Wisconsin sitting at 6-2 overall and 3-2 in the Big Ten, this game has huge Big Ten West implications.
Wisconsin leads the overall series 47-43 versus the Iowa football team, and the Badgers are currently on a three-game win streak versus the Hawkeyes.
When you look at the standings it’s safe to say the Iowa football team mostly controls its own destiny. Beat Wisconsin and they are looking really good with Minnesota coming to Iowa City. The Gophers are undefeated but face a tough Penn State team this weekend likely leaving them with a loss.
The Hawkeyes and Badgers will be on national television on Fox, and calling the game will be Tim Brando doing the play-by-play. If you don’t have cable you can be sure to watch it on Fubo Tv.
Weather for this game in Madison, Wisconsin looks to be fairly decent especially since we are getting close to winter. It’s partly sunny with a high of 42.
Unfortunately, the Iowa football team comes into this game missing a key component on the offensive side of the football. Wide receiver Brandon Smith is going to be out again with a lower body injury. They will also be without Kristian Welch and Nate Wieting. In good news, the Hawks might be able to return guard Kyler Schott, who was a revelation early in the season. Kirk Ferentz said the other day at his press conference that he thinks Schott has a good chance at playing today.
Wisconsin Badgers will be a 9 point favorite going into this game, according to The Action Network, with the over/under is set at 38.
I believe this game is going to be a battle on both sides of the ball. Defenses are very stout with both teams possessing top-5 scoring defenses in the nation. Iowa Football has to move the ball against the Badgers if they want to have a shot. To me, this game is a toss-up and wouldn’t be surprised by any outcome, but I believe Iowa will steal this one on the road.
Enjoy this one fans it will be a doozy and Go Hawks!