BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Iowa

The Wisconsin football team will host the Iowa Hawkeyes this week in their yearly rivalry game.

In normal years, this is a big game because it’s a rivalry game and its records don’t really matter, it’s always close. But even with that in mind, this game has huge ramifications for both Wisconsin and Iowa. These are the only two teams in the Big Ten West that currently have a winning conference record. The team that wins this matchup will have an even larger leg up on the rest of the division.

So let’s take the BadgersNotes’ staff predictions for the Big Ten West Bowl against the Iowa Hawkeyes.

BadgerNotes Staff Predictions: Wisconsin Football vs. Iowa

Christian Borman (4-1): Wisconsin 20-13

In the last year of the Big Ten West, I think it’s only fitting that Wisconsin football and Iowa are the only true contenders for the title. And I think it would only be fitting if this was a low-scoring game.

Even if the stats don’t show it like the past couple of seasons, I still think the Iowa defense is going to make things tough for the Badgers’ offense. On the other side of the ball, I think Iowa’s offense is still struggling, even more so under former Wisconsin football quarterback, Deacon Hill. I think we are going to have a classic Iowa-Wisconsin football game and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

At the end of the day, I think the Wisconsin offense will do just enough to help the Badgers top Iowa to regain the Heartland Trophy and get a leg up in the Big Ten West race.

Dillon Graff (4-1): Wisconsin 24-14

This game, as per usual, will probably set the game of football back a couple of decades. Add in poor weather, and we’ve got ourselves a game that’ll be decided in the trenches.

I’m fascinated to see how the Wisconsin Badgers new-look offense performs against Iowa’s defense. It’s going to be ugly, Big Ten West football, and I, for one, cannot wait.

Give me the Badgers by 10 (I’m taking the over this weekend).

Jake Maier (4-1): Wisconsin 21-13

Dylan Buboltz (4-1): Wisconsin 17-10

The winner of this game likely represents the Big Ten West in the Big Ten Championship. Wisconsin and Iowa have already separated themselves from the rest of the West teams.

Weather will likely be an issue with the potential for rain and wind. Ball security and time of possession will be critical. This is exactly what Iowa wants.

At some point, you are going to have to throw the ball. Iowa has very good corners, but I think Tanner Mordecai will get the ball out fast. Iowa has little to a nonexistent passing game. Expect Mike Tressel to make Deacon Hill throw the ball.

UW has to avoid turnovers on offense. Braelon Allen lost a fumble last week so look for Iowa to be constantly putting their hands on the ball when in his hands.

Wisconsin just has more ways to win games. Iowa has only been able to rely on their defense and the run game to a certain degree. When you play good teams like Wisconsin, you have to have multiple ways to win. The Hawkeye have been able to get away with it with the exception of Penn State. I think that ends Saturday. Give me UW 17-10.

Ryan Eilers (4-1): Wisconsin 34-13

It’s Iowa Week! It’s time for our boys to bring the Heartland Trophy back home. In what some (mostly just me) call the defacto Big Ten West Championship, the Iowa Hawkeyes make the trek to Camp Randall Stadium. Led by former Wisconsin QB Deacon Hill, the Hawkeyes are looking to escape Madison with the win.

Wisconsin lost last season 24-10 and has largely overhauled the offense that turned the ball over three times and was largely impacted by Hawkeyes DB Cooper DeJean. For those who have followed the staff predictions, you know that I have called for a 40-burger in all five previous matches. Not this time, my friends. I have learned from my mistakes. Maybe.

What better time than now for the Badgers to set themselves apart in the Big Ten West than beating the Hawkeyes on Saturday? Iowa QB Deacon Hill returns to Madison and foresee him throwing a couple of those “uh oh” balls and having a couple interceptions. Iowa’s new anti-nepotism policy, the “Drive for 325” takes a MAJOR hit in Madison. I can confirm that after this game Iowa will indeed will need a stepladder to see the top of the division. Wisconsin capitalizes on Iowa blunders and wins this old-fashioned rock fight, 34-13.

Drew Hamm (3-1): Wisconsin 9-5

I hate this game so much. It’s never fun to watch as an invested party and I’d rather schedule a root canal during it then watch all four quarters. Anyways, Iowa’s offense is putrid and they probably won’t even sniff the red zone all day. Go Badgers. Go to hell Hawkeyes.

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