CFB51 College Football Fan Community
The Power Four => Big Ten => Topic started by: SFBadger96 on October 26, 2026, 01:10:13 PM
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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.
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Maybe the final score will be 6-4 in double OT.
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A safety in double OT would be a heck of a way to win a football game.
:)
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Imagine the score at the end of regulation too ...
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Somebody wins this 3-2.
My head says Badgers but home field has been pretty strong this year, so....Hawkeyes.
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Winner keeps their playoff hopes alive. Wisconsin has a cake schedule after this, so win and they're in.
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Under PJ Barnum, Minnesota always plays the Badgers like it's their Superbowl.
Purdue could be sneaky at home, ahead of Minnesota.
Rutgers and Maryland are Rutgers and Maryland.
This Iowa game will be a bloodbath, I think. Tough place to play too.
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Lost by 37 last year. 32 the year before. Don't think it will be that bad this time around, but it is still at Kinnick.
And yeah, I think either or both of Purdue and Minnesota could tax the Badgers--but they are also both definitely winnable, as long as the Badgers don't need to throw the ball.
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Lost by 37 last year. 32 the year before. Don't think it will be that bad this time around, but it is still at Kinnick.
And yeah, I think either or both of Purdue and Minnesota could tax the Badgers--but they are also both definitely winnable, as long as the Badgers don't need to throw the ball.
If Grimes is going to continue to call the games the way he did Saturday, why not play the freshman and let CoJo walk at the end of the year?
That's where my head's at right now.
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Joseph has the lowest completion percentage in the conference. Not good.
Wisconsin also gives up a lot of sacks; presumably that will be bad for any quarterback. Maybe Joseph's problem is he doesn't have time? I don't think so, but that's an argument in his favor.
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Seems like they finally got the OL figured out with the best five on the field, so hopefully the sacks will drop. They only gave up two to USC. Of course, they only dropped back 16 times.
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Somebody wins this 3-2.
Actually, I saw Auburn scratch a win at Clanga in 2008 with exactly this score. It was kinda awesome, so I'm rooting for it again :)
I figure this Iowa and Wisconsin team are the best shots I've had in a while.
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Keep in mind this is the same Iowa team that scored 41 points at Washington 3 weeks ago. Tim Lester's offenses scored 30+ points 4 times in Big Ten Play in 2025 and also 4 times in Big Ten Play in 2024. Its not a given the Iowa offense lays an egg in every Big Ten game.
Having said that, Wiscy's defense looks pretty good so yeah, this game will probably be another 13-10 barn burner.
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If Grimes is going to continue to call the games the way he did Saturday, why not play the freshman and let CoJo walk at the end of the year?
That's where my head's at right now.
He’s a better running back and probably more of a net positive?
(I might still let him walk, but don’t think I’d bench him)
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Under PJ Barnum, Minnesota always plays the Badgers like it's their Superbowl.
PJ just used his superbowl moment vs Iowa
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Iowa 21, Wisconsin 20
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PJ just used his superbowl moment vs Iowa
And Michigan. It might be that his team reacts well to his enthusiasm for these big games.
Both were in Minneapolis, and they have to go to Madison this year. But he's done just fine in Madison, too.
Back to the Badger quarterback: I'm not impressed. Surely they can recruit and coach someone who is better throwing the ball.
I am impressed with the defense. It has been consistently solid when the offense gives just a little bit of help (i.e., not cratering in the second half when in an otherwise tight ballgame). Iowa will earn its yards on offense.
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I can't explain why but I just feel like Iowa is going to dominate this game, which is a rare feeling for me.
Iowa probably played its worst game of the season against Minn offensively. Just kept fumbling away opportunities. Yes, credit goes to the Minn defensively, that is true. And yes, Wisc has a really good defense. But I have a feeling Iowa will come out with something to prove.
Iowa 27, Wisc 13
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Iowa 21, Wisconsin 20
This is closer to my actual prediction. I just want 3-2 purely as wish fulfillment.
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I can't explain why but I just feel like Iowa is going to dominate this game, which is a rare feeling for me.
Iowa probably played its worst game of the season against Minn offensively. Just kept fumbling away opportunities. Yes, credit goes to the Minn defensively, that is true. And yes, Wisc has a really good defense. But I have a feeling Iowa will come out with something to prove.
Iowa 27, Wisc 13
I think this is more likely than a Wisconsin win, but it would be fair to point out that I'm struggling with extreme dislike of Wisconsin's head coach which may make it difficult for me to be objective about this year's Badger team.
One thing I'm certain of: the Badgers' offense is not built to come back from a two-score deficit. (Now watch that very thing happen.)