This is the 100th game between Iowa and Wisconsin; Wisconsin leads the series 49-48-2. Over 99 games, Wisconsin has scored 13 more points than Iowa. Iowa has a four-game winning streak, which is tied for third all-time for Iowa (Iowa won 10 straight from 1985 to 1996, following a 7-game win streak from 1977 to 1983--they tied in 1984--meaning Iowa didn't lose between 1976 and 1997, going 17-0-1).
Anyone around here like defense? The #3 (Iowa) and #4 (Wisconsin) scoring defenses in the Big Ten will face off against the #13 (Iowa) and #15 (Wisconsin) scoring offenses. Get ready for some punting.
Wisconsin has tried real hard to change my mind about them in the last couple of weeks, and the Badgers are making progress. No doubt, their defense can play. But you need points to win football games, and I'm struggling to see how the Badgers score against Iowa. Wisconsin's rushing attack is 9th in the conference, which ain't bad--actually, better than anyone other than Ohio State that Iowa has faced--but Iowa's rushing defense is #2 in the conference. To be fair, two of Iowa's four conference games came against Washington and Minnesota, ranked #17 and #18 in rushing yards. So maybe Iowa's stats are inflated? But put Wisconsin in 3rd and long, and the Badgers ain't going anywhere with their 17th rated passing game that has generated fewer than 70 yards in each of the last two games. (But at least we're better than Michigan!)
Of course Iowa has the same problem through the air (15th). But Iowa can run the ball, ranked #5 in conference.
Neither team is efficient in the red zone. Well, both are efficient in the red zone on defense. On the offensive side, they are 16 (Wisconsin) and 17 (Iowa). So field goals will be the game. Both are 10 of 12 on field goal attempts.
Iowa is a little penalty prone, but, interestingly, teams that play Iowa are also penalty prone.
Kinnick is a tough place to play, and Iowa will be focused after losing to Minnesota last week. Iowa gets a touchdown off of a turnover, and otherwise the teams play to a draw: 13-6, Iowa, tying the all-time series.
edit: oops, I forgot, Iowa retains the Heartland Trophy. Forgotten because in the lore of college football trophies, this one just ain't it as it has only existed since 2004.