Wisconsin Football: Preview, prediction, live stream vs. Iowa in Week 11
Wisconsin football will get a much-needed chance to secure a quality win as the red-hot Iowa Hawkeyes come into town.
Saturday’s matchup between the Wisconsin Badgers and Iowa Hawkeyes will have many things at stake. First and foremost, the Badgers and Hawkeyes will continue their evenly matched rivalry as they play for the rights to the Heartland Trophy.
The Badgers have won four out of the last five in this series to take an all-time lead of 45-43. Despite the hot streak against the Hawkeyes, four out of the last five games have also been decided by eight points or less and three of those by four or less.
Whenever someone hears the phrase “Wisconsin vs. Iowa,” one can expect a low-scoring, grind-it-out type game, but this week there is a lot of uncertainty surrounding that theory as both teams are coming off offensive outbursts — especially Iowa.
This contest serves as another chance for the Badger to pad their College Football Playoff ranking as the Hawkeyes come in as their first ranked opponent of the season. The Hawkeyes are coming off a 55-24 shellacking over the Ohio State Buckeyes and have earned the right to be ranked for the first time all season.
An interesting piece to note as this game features arguably the two best teams in the West, Iowa holds one of the tougher schedules in the country and are much better than their record indicates.
Like Wisconsin experienced a year ago, Iowa’s three divisional crossover games include the three best teams in the Big Ten East (Ohio State, Penn State, Michigan State), which is the cause for their 3-3 record in conference play. The Hawkeyes are 1-2 against those teams, having lost on the final play of the game to Penn State 21-19 and a seven point defeat at Michigan State.
Here’s how to watch Iowa at Wisconsin:
Date: Saturday, November 11
Time: 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Madison, Wisc.
Venue: Camp Randall Stadium
TV: ABC
Live Stream: WatchESPN
Keys to Victory
Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off his fifth Big Ten Freshman of the Week honor and currently sits third in the NCAA in rushing yards this season. One would think the key for Wisconsin is to continue their dominant rushing game, but at this point that is a given. The Badgers will be facing perhaps their toughest rush defense all year and will need quarterback Alex Hornibrook and the receivers to step up in a big way.
The prognosis of the Badgers’ star receiver Quintez Cephus is not looking good as he sustained a leg injury last week against Indiana and will likely miss extended time. It is also unlikely that senior Jazz Peavy will be ready to go either. Freshman wide outs Kendrick Pryor and Danny Davis will have extended roles this weekend and it is crucial that Hornibrook utilizes them to full extent against this Iowa defense — along with Troy Fumagalli.
For the Hawkeyes, it is important that they do not come out and have a let down after seemingly exhausting all they had against the Buckeyes last week. Sticking to a similar game plan that includes stopping the run and utilizing a balanced attack on offense will be key for Iowa on the road. First and foremost, though, will be motivating themselves enough to come out and play in another huge game.
Prediction
The Badgers all season have come out slow in games, perhaps due to the quality of opponents they have been facing, but this week gives them a chance to come out fired up and ready to play from the get-go. Anticipate another in-the-trenches type game with two stout defenses showcasing their talents drive after drive.
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Iowa will do whatever it takes to slow down Taylor and the running game and a surprising outing from Hornibrook and a monster game from Troy Fumagalli will allow the Badgers to take an early lead. From there, the defense will do its job and fend off a comeback as Wisconsin squeaks by in a close one and clinches their spot in the Big Ten championship game.
Final score: Iowa 16, Wisconsin 21