Wisconsin Football: 2017 game-by-game predictions
By Shane Lunnen
The Battle for the Heartland Trophy is up next as Iowa visits Madison. The series has been relatively even over the years, with the Badgers having a slight two game advantage entering 2017.
Iowa struggled offensively last season and looks to improve this year. Running back Akrum Wadley is back, returning from a year that saw him run for over 1,000 yards. Iowa is breaking in a new starting quarterback, which that battle is still unsettled in fall camp. The receivers will need to help their new signal caller, with the group being led by Matt VandeBerg and Jerminic Smith.
The defense is going to be very good in the front seven. All three starting linebackers are back, including senior Josey Jewell. He led the team a year ago in tackles with 124. Three out of the four starters along the defensive front are back, but they have to replace all-conference cornerback Desmond King in the secondary which will be a challenge.
When the Hawkeyes and Badgers meet, the games always feel like old school, smash mouth affairs. Probably shouldn’t expect much different in this year’s edition. The running attacks for both schools will be on display against solid run defenses.
Wisconsin has a ton of a momentum now and Iowa will be coming off an emotional win at home against Ohio State, so they will have a little bit of a letdown. Close game, but the Badgers prevail and get to 10 wins. At this point, they might have the Big Ten West locked up.