After the disappointing loss two weeks ago to Indiana, the Hawkeyes got a much-needed bye week last week.
Fresh off a week off and getting some rest, they are back to try to take the Heartland Trophy once again in a battle against Wisconsin in Madison.
This game is always one that gets really competitive and stays really close. While the Hawkeyes are expected to win this game, it will not be a cake walk, as some might argue.
Here are the three keys to victory for the Hawkeyes to take home the Heartland Trophy.
Regardless of who is at QB, the offense needs to stay hot
After suffering the injury in the late fourth quarter against the Hoosiers, Mark Gronowski is listed as a game-time decision for this game. Whether or not Gronowski plays is not the concern.
The main concern is whether the offense can stay hot against a Wisconsin team ranked in the top 25 in both opponents' points per game and opponents' yards per game.
For this to happen, the run game has to be effective from the jump, with both Jaziun Patterson and Terrell Washington Jr. out for this game. Kamari Moulton and Xavier Williams will likely split the load of the carries. If they can play like they normally do and break out for some longer runs, the passing game will open, and the offense will stay hot.
If they cannot establish the run, it could be a long game for this offense.
Bring back the disciplined defense
Despite the loss of many key starters from last season's stellar defense, the Hawkeyes still have some talent on the defensive side of the ball. However, this has not looked like the same Phil Parker-coached defense that we all know.
It has been noted that multiple mental mistakes are made in each game, and the number of missed tackles is increasing.
With the news that leading tackler Jaden Harrell is not expected to play in this game, everyone else on the defense must step up even more in his place. The disciplined Hawkeye defense that we know and love should give the Badgers offense a run for their money.
A bounce-back game from this defense could help spark a change for the remainder of the year.
Ensure this game is not a look-ahead game
When it comes to rivalry games, throw the records out of the window. This is a game both teams will want to win, but it will be a bit tougher to focus on when the Hawkeyes look at their upcoming schedule.
They host Penn State at Kinnick next weekend at night and also have to play Oregon and USC next month.
With a schedule that difficult, it can be easy for teams to overlook lesser competition like Wisconsin. However, if the Hawkeyes do that, Wisconsin will win this game.
This is a get-right game that will set the tone for the future, so the team shouldn't worry about it. Playing this game as hard as they would against a superior opponent will be absolutely crucial for a victory.
Final prediction
With a lot riding on this game for both teams, this is going to be a gritty B1G night game. The Hawkeyes have the talent edge and the coaching edge.
If they can play the way that they should and improve from last game's loss, this should be a nice Iowa victory for everyone to enjoy.
Final score prediction: Iowa 17, Wisconsin 13