Just how real is Iowa (4-0)? The Hawkeyes have been dominant at times over the first part of the season as they’ve stomped through the first month with a nasty run defense and an emerging offense that’s been surprisingly strong out of the gate. But now they have to deal with a Wisconsin (3-1) team that’s provided nothing but heartbreak over the last few years in two tough losses. The Badgers have taken it easy over the last few weeks, but now it’s time to turn it on. Check out the Wisconsin vs. Iowa prediction and game preview.

Wisconsin vs. Iowa Game Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, Oct. 3
Game Time: 12:00 pm
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, WI
Network: ESPN

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Why You Need To Care

The Hawkeyes have been fantastic. There weren’t any issues with the rivalry game against Iowa State, and they rolled past Pitt on the way to the perfect start, and now it looks like they might have just the right mix at the right time to deal with the Badgers. With no Ohio State, Michigan State or Michigan to face, this should be the toughest game left on the slate. Going to Northwestern and Nebraska won’t be easy, but if they can beat the Badgers in Camp Randall, they can handle anything else.

Wisconsin has enjoyed three light scrimmages against Miami University, Troy and Hawaii after the loss to Alabama to start the season, but if it’s possible to win three games by a combined score of 114-3 and look mediocre, this team has done it. Without Corey Clement, the running game has been pedestrian – to put it nicely – with the defense and short passing game making it look easy. With only some due respect to Northwestern – a home game coming off a bye week – if Bucky can win this week and take down Nebraska in Lincoln next week, the West will be all but over.

Why Iowa Will Win

The Wisconsin running game has been cute over the last three weeks, but now it’s in trouble. It’s been able to work because it’s been playing some of the worst teams in college football, but now it has to face a front four that was supposed to be a concern coming into the season, but now is frothing after the mouth allowing just 336 yards on the year and no rushing scores. Wisconsin hasn’t generated much of a push as much as it’s been able to plod its way to yards – that’s not going to work against the Hawkeyes.

Why Wisconsin Will Win

The Iowa ground attack isn’t going to work, either. Jordan Canzeri had a big game against North Texas, and the Hawkeyes were able to run for over 200 yards in their three relatively easy games, but the Wisconsin defensive front has been a brick wall. All things considered, allowing 238 yards against an Alabama ground game that was humming wasn’t quite as bad as it might have appeared – the Crimson Tide O line was terrific. Miami University, Troy, and Hawaii aren’t Iowa running the ball, but still none of the three were able to move a lick. The aggressive Badger linebackers will control the game early on.

Player Who Matters

Is Jordan Canzeri really ready to breakout into an Iowa star? He ran for 124 yards and a score in the win over Iowa State, and last week he took off for 115 yards and four touchdowns in the win over North Texas. On the year he’s averaging over five yards per pop with eight scores after failing to score all of last year and running for 494 yards on the season. The senior is making the most of his chances, but this is going to be the biggest test.

What’s Going To Happen?

Wisconsin’s offense is ripe to get shut down to a dead stop, but the defense will save the day. It’s not going to be a pretty game, but a few key turnovers will lead to easy Badger points and a grinding win.

Wisconsin vs. Iowa Prediction

Final Score: Wisconsin 23, Iowa 17, Line: Wisconsin -7, o/u: 44.5

Must See Rating: 5: Steve Jobs – 1: Dr. Ken … 4

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