The Big Ten Conference Opener is finally here! Saturday Afternoon Iowa travels to Wisconsin to face the 19th Ranked Badgers. The Non-conference portion of the schedule couldn't have gone any better. The Hawks went 4-0 with two mentally tough 4th quarter victories. Iowa faced a hostile environment when they beat Iowa State so they should be ready for the atmosphere at Wisconsin. This will be Iowa's toughest challenge as Wisconsin is the first ranked team they've played this year. So what do the Hawks need to do to come away with a victory on Saturday.
Wisconsin's offense normally is a dominant rushing attack but this season they haven't run the ball like we are used to seeing. Wisconsin is rushing for 188 yards per game,but most season's when Wisconsin plays teams like Miami Ohio, Troy and Hawaii they usually have an average of well over 200 yards. The Badgers rushing attack has run into injuries this season as the main ball carrier was supposed to be Corey Clement. Clement is out with a Sports Hernia so the main running back now is Freshman Taiwan Deal. Deal has rushed 62 times for 290 yards and 4 TD's. Dare Ogunbowale is the second Running back with 48 carries for 281 yards and 3 TD's. The Iowa run defense is 12th nationally allowing just 84 yards per game. This will be a key factor because If the Hawks can stop the Badgers rushing attack that puts a lot of pressure on Joel Stave. The defensive line gave up some big yardage on outside runs vs North Texas so they will have to be ready for a more physical rushing attack this week. Wisconsin likes to lineup with two FB's and a RB, they finally had their first good running game of the year vs Hawaii. The Badgers will run the ball more like Pittsburgh a physical, smash mouth style. Drew Ott is still working his way back to 100 percent so hopefully he can keep the outside contained.
Stave is back for another year, he's been the QB for the Badgers off and on for the last few seasons. The other guy who has played QB in key situations is Tanner McEvoy. He is mainly a runner and did have a big game running last season. Stave has thrown for 890 yards this season with 7 TD's and only 2 Interceptions. Stave doesn't have a big arm he throws the underneath routes a lot. Wisconsin likes to run the ball then play action to hit their tight ends over the middle of the field. The Badgers do have some nice talent at receiver Alex Erickson, is the top receiving target with 23 Catches for 320 yards 1 TD. Robert Wheelwright is the second target for Wisconsin he has 10 receptions for 147 yards and 3 TD's. Austin Traylor is the Badgers tight end he has 8 receptions for 121 yards 3 TD's. Iowa's secondary should be able to handle the Badgers passing attack. Now the Hawkeyes have had some little injuries with Miles Taylor and Greg Maybin dealing with some non significant injuries. Hopefully both Taylor and Maybin are ready to go because they will be needed vs Wisconsin.
The Iowa offense continues to improve every week, with a dominating victory over North Texas now they will face the unique challenge of a 3-4 defense. Iowa State played a little bit of a 3-4 defense in week 2 but Wisconsin has a more talented defense then the Cyclones. The Hawks are averaging 37.2 points per game and rushing for 196 yards. Jordan Canzeri has been the main ball carrier the last couple weeks with Leshun Daniels dealing with an ankle injury. Jordan has 63 carries for 316 yards and 8 TDS, Leshun has 48 Carries for 217 yards. Hopefully Daniels is closer to 100 percent this weekend because he hasn't had the same burst the last 2 weeks. The Wisconsin run defense is allowing 82 yards per game. Again this will be the main key which team can run the ball and which team can stop the run.
The Hawks passing attack has come on strong during the Non-conference portion of the schedule. CJ Beathard has 962 yards passing with 6 TD's and only 1 Interception. Matt Vandeberg has been the main target with 25 receptions for 242 yards and 2 TD's. Tevaun Smith has 12 receptions for 235 yards and 2 TD's. Jacob Hillyer has improved a lot from last year. Last year it seemed like he dropped everything, this year he's caught everything. The Tight ends are starting to get more involved too with Krieger Coble hauling in 10 passes for 105 yards, and George Kittle showed some of his potential last week with 4 catches for 69 yards and a TD. Riley McCarron has made plays too. This offense is only going to get better, plus Jake Duzey is ready to return which should impact the offense even more. The Badgers like to blitz a lot which gives Iowa a chance for one on one opportunities down the field. Last year Tevaun Smith took advantage of the Badgers corners drawing pass interference penalties. Iowa will have opportunities to throw the ball down the field they just have to make those big plays. Big news in regards to the Iowa passing attack. Rumors are circulating that Tevaun Smith hurt his knee and will be out 2 weeks. This is a big injury taking one of the Hawkeyes best threats off the field. The question now is who will get a lot of Smith's playing time? I expect it to be by committee with Jake Hillyer getting more playing time. I think it will be important to see Jerminic Smith some too because he has the speed to get down the field. Riley McCarron has played a lot too. Without Tevaun it will be interesting to see who steps up to make plays along side Matt Vandeberg.
One of the biggest keys to victory will be Iowa's redzone offense against the Redzone defense of Wisconsin. The Badgers have allowed one rushing, one passing and one field goal in the redzone this season. Iowa has scored 14 TD's in 16 trips to the redzone. For Iowa to win they have to score touchdowns when they get a chance, field goals are nice but on the road you need to get 7 when your in the redzone. Another big key will be which team can run the ball and which team can stop the run? The other key matchup is CJ Beathard against Joel Stave, the quarterback that makes the biggest plays will win. I feel Iowa gets it done in a close game. I think the running game will be a wash, but I believe CJ Beathard is the better quarterback and therefore the Hawks will find a way to win. My prediction is Iowa 24 Wisconsin 17. Scoring could be a little higher but these are two very good defense's. We will find out how good this team is? They got through the Non-conference undefeated now can they make a statement on the road Saturday at Wisconsin?
Thanks for reading
Go Hawks
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