The Iowa Hawkeyes have won two consecutive conference matchups. Ditto for the Wisconsin Badgers, who are now 2-0 in Big Ten play. Whoever leaves with a win on Saturday will have an early claim to the Big Ten West’s top spot.
These schools cross paths every season, with the home team claiming the last four victories. Does that bode well for Wisconsin, or is Iowa set to snap the streak?
Battle for The Heartland Trophy.#Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/DaNazZ7RY1
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 10, 2023
Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Wisconsin Badgers Odds and Match Details
Team | Spread | Total | ML |
Iowa | +10
-110 |
Over 34.5
-110 |
+295 |
Wisconsin | -10
-110 |
Under 34.5
-110 |
-375 |
*Odds Subject to Change |
Fixture: Iowa Hawkeyes @ Wisconsin Badgers
Date and Time: October 14, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. EST
Location: Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin
Field Surface: FieldTurf
Weather: Cloudy, Breezy, and 50 Degrees
Key Stats
Iowa Hawkeyes
Hawks Fly 💨@Kj_Superman2 x #Hawkeyes
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) October 7, 2023
Iowa may be winning games, but the offense is arguably the Big Ten’s worst. They’re averaging the fewest yards per game conference-wide, 249.2, while their 21.8 points per game are helped (a lot) by special teams and defense. 3.8 yards per carry is leading Iowa to 119.3 rushing yards per game.
Somehow, that’s the strength of the offense, as the passing game only gains 129.8 yards per contest. Deacon Hill is the starting QB moving forward, and he will try to improve upon a completion rate of 37.5% this season. That includes six completions (in 21 attempts) last weekend, none of which went to a wide receiver. It’s not pretty when the Hawkeyes have the ball.
The Hawkeyes’ defense is holding foes to 16.3 points per game, which is how they’ve managed to start the year 5-1. Only one opponent, Penn State, scored more than 16 against them. They have seven interceptions in 2023, but that’s masking a group that allows plenty of yards.
Iowa is giving up 324.5 yards per game, including at least 340 against in all three of their Big Ten matchups. On the ground, the Hawkeyes have surrendered 131.2 yards per game on 3.6 yards per attempt. Through the air, they’re allowing 193.3 yards per game despite only collecting nine sacks so far.
Wisconsin Badgers
Wisconsin is much stronger when they have the ball, averaging 31.4 points per contest. The ground game is the Badgers’ strength, picking up 5.2 yards per carry and 204.0 yards per game. Braleon Allen is pacing the team with 472 rushing yards.
However, the Badgers are also struggling with the passing game. Wisconsin is averaging 209.6 yards per game through the air, with three touchdowns countered by three interceptions. Starting quarterback Tanner Mordecai was held under 175 yards passing in the team’s first two Big Ten games.
CRIB CALL(ed it)🏠📞#OnWisconsin | @ricardohallman6 pic.twitter.com/osfliuYpBL
— Wisconsin Football (@BadgerFootball) October 9, 2023
Meanwhile, Wisconsin’s defense is giving up the most passing yards per game in the Big Ten, 247.4. Eight interceptions and 13 sacks have helped them manage the damage. In the trenches, the Badgers are much more formidable.
Opposing offenses only gain 3.7 yards per carry and 107.6 yards per game against Wisconsin when running the ball. They haven’t allowed a running play of more than 25 yards all season. The Badgers have only allowed one team to exceed 17 points against them, and are holding foes to 18.4 points per game.
Game Prediction
It seems fairly predictable that the Iowa offense won’t muster much this weekend. Their offense is extremely one-dimensional at this point, and that dimension isn’t even that good. Plus, the Hawkeyes’ running game is up against a Wisconsin defense that smothers opposing running backs.
As for Wisconsin’s offense, this won’t be an easy game for them either. They’re more balanced, but Iowa is great at keeping opponents out of the end zone. The Hawkeyes can also divert more attention to stopping the run, as the Badgers are far less threatening in the air. The under has hit in the last three meetings between these schools, and Saturday will mark a fourth.