Preview: Iowa at Wisconsin
MADISON, Wis. — Looking to snap a three-game losing skid, Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2) hosts Iowa (3-2, 1-1) in the annual battle for the Heartland Trophy. The Badgers showed improvement in last Saturday’s 24-10 loss at Michigan and are hoping to win back some hardware after going 0-3 in trophy games a year ago, including an embarrassing 42-10 defeat to the Hawkeyes.
“This is all about rivalry week,” head coach Luke Fickell said. “This is what you love about college football. There’s no doubt that what happened last year is something that’s fresh in everybody’s minds on this team.”
GAME INFO
Kickoff Time: 6 p.m. CT
Where: Camp Randall Stadium (Madison, Wis.)
TV: FS1
TV Crew: Eric Collins, Spencer Tillman
Stream: Fox Sports Go
Line: Iowa – 3
Series History: Wisconsin leads 49-47-2
Last Meeting: Iowa won 42-10 in 2024
NUMBERS TO KNOW
3: Iowa has won each of the last three meetings in this series.
3: Wisconsin has lost three straight trophy games.
4: With a win, the Hawkeyes would notch their first four-game winning streak in the series since 2002-05.
7: The Badgers have lost seven consecutive Big Ten Conference games.
10: Since the Heartland Trophy was introduced to the rivalry, UW owns a 10-9 edge against Iowa.
10: The Badgers are 10-1 in homecoming games since 2013.
99: Saturday marks the 99th matchup between the two schools. UW has only played Minnesota (134) and Northwestern (106) more.
WHAT TO WATCH
Will Mark Gronowski Play For Iowa?
If Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski can’t go, that potentially even outs this matchup. The senior signal caller is considered a game-time decision. A transfer from South Dakota State, Gronowski has completed 64.2 percent of his passes for 636 yards and three touchdowns to two interceptions. He’s also been sacked nine times on just over 100 dropbacks. If Gronowski is out, sophomore Hank Brown would get the start.
Hunter Simmons Gets His Second Start
We’re expecting Billy Edwards to remain out and for Hunter Simmons to get his second consecutive start under center. Simmons, a Southern Illinois transfer, played admirably at Michigan a week ago, completing 18-of-29 passing for 177 yards and an interception that should have been a pass interference penalty. Now that Iowa has some film on Simmons, how will he perform, and how will offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes adjust?
Can Wisconsin Shut Down the Run?
Wisconsin did 42 pushups at the end of every off-season workout, so they didn’t forget about the 42 points Iowa scored in last season’s meeting. In that defeat, the Badgers surrendered 329 rushing yards.
It’s been a different story for UW in the trenches so far this season. That Iowa loss inspired the coaching staff to get bigger and stronger up front. It’s paid dividends as the Badgers rank sixth nationally in rushing defense (75.0 ypg).
PREDICTION
Could be an ugly one in Madison. A pair of top 10 rushing defenses square off, potentially leaving it to some less-than-stellar passing games to move the football. Who can make those 1-2 special plays to flip the game in their direction?
Wisconsin has lacked explosives all season long. Iowa is methodical as well, but they might be the x-factor in this matchup on special teams. Senior Kaden Wetjen is the only player in the country with a punt and kickoff return for a touchdown. The Hawkeyes very well could win the field position game. Iowa is also the least penalized team in the country.
Liked a lot of the things I saw from Wisconsin a week ago at Michigan. In order to win games, the Badgers seem to have to play ugly and drag teams through the mud. However, nobody does that better than Iowa.
If Gronowski is out, I might flip this to a UW win. However, I’m really hesitant to let Lucy pull the football out from under me once again. Gotta stick with the team that can control the line of scrimmage on both sides of the football and doesn’t beat itself with one of the best turnover margins and fewest penalties per game. Until the Badges show they can win a game of this caliber, I can’t pick them.
Iowa 17 Wisconsin 10
