Iowa Football: 3 Bold Predictions against Wisconsin

2. The nation is introduced to A.J. Epenesa

It was in a matchup similar to this where another No. 94 who played for Iowa, played a big game against a highly-ranked opponent and welcomed himself to the college football world. That man was defensive end Adrian Clayborn, and that game was Iowa’s win in 2009 against Penn State in Happy Valley where Clayborn returned a blocked punt for a touchdown to silence a cold, rainy Beaver Stadium.

Nearly a decade later, another No. 94 has a chance to make his presence known on a national stage for Iowa: defensive end A.J. Epenesa. Epenesa is off to a fast start in his sophomore season, as he has racked up four sacks in the Hawkeyes first three games, terrorizing one quarterback to the next. Epenesa will have a tough draw with Wisconsin’s All-American right tackle David Edwards trying to protect Alex Hornibrook’s blind side.

Epenesa will introduce himself to the nation, maybe not in the manner as Adrian Clayborn did, but his name will be known after Saturday night. Epenesa will rack up three TFL’s and at least another sack against the Badgers in key situations.