Every unit for the Iowa Hawkeyes was exceptional, as the Hawkeyes took home the Heartland Trophy with a 37-0 win over Wisconsin. This was as refreshing a win as any for the players, coaches, and fans following that loss two weeks ago to Indiana. This is also a loss for the history books, as it has been quite some time since Wisconsin was shut out at home.
Iowa hands Wisconsin its first shutout loss at home since 1980 🤯 pic.twitter.com/euUnSm93Io
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) October 12, 2025
Multiple players deserve praise, and all three units that will get their flowers for a while after this win. There were not a lot of negative things that fans and coaches can look at for this game, so let's take a look at two of the main reasons why the Hawkeyes won this game in dominating fashion.
The running game had the best showing of the season
One thing that has been the case every year that Kirk Ferentz has been the coach is that for the offense to succeed, the rushing attack must take charge to open up the passing attack.
The running back corps did just that and then some. Kamari Moulton was four yards shy of a 100-yard game with a TD, while Xavier Williams had 55 yards and two TDs on just seven carries.
The offensive line did a great job at creating gaps for the running backs to go through, and when the RBs had space, the Badgers had a tough time guarding them. Several runs got to the second level, and the Hawkeyes took advantage of that. If the running game continues to play this way for the remainder of the season, all of the teams that the Hawkeyes face will struggle.
The defense improved tremendously and dominated the turnover battle
If you are a fan of defensive lineman interceptions, you were in for quite the treat in this game. In the first quarter, Hunter Simmons threw two interceptions, one to Bryce Hawthorne for no gain and another to Aaron Graves that was nearly taken all the way back for a touchdown. Graves also forced a fumble in the fourth quarter.
Outside of their dominance in the turnover game, this defense appeared more disciplined by cutting down the missed tackles that had hurt them in both of their losses this season. As soon as the defense made contact with the ball carrier, there were no second chances.
This caused Wisconsin fits and ultimately led to several three-and-outs. This was a great turnaround game for the defense.
With a tough home contest next week against Penn State, this game was the perfect momentum builder for this team.
There are very few teams in the conference that can beat this Hawkeye team when they play the way that they did against Wisconsin.
Kirk Ferentz will likely have the team dialed in and focused on next week, but hopefully the players and coaches celebrate a little on the plane ride home after a well-played rivalry victory.