Wisconsin Football Keys to Victory vs. Iowa Hawkeyes

Saturday is arguably the biggest game on the Wisconsin Football schedule. They will welcome the Iowa Hawkeyes in a pivotal Big Ten West battle. The winner of this game will be in the drivers seat to represent the West in the Big Ten Championship game. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM on FOX.

Anytime the Badgers and Hawkeyes clash, you will always get a defensive battle and a low-scoring game. Will this be the same thing this weekend? Here is what Wisconsin Football needs to do to get a big victory Saturday.

Wisconsin Football Needs to Run the Ball in Inclement Weather

Oct 7, 2023; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers running back Braelon Allen (0) rushes with the football during the second quarter against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Rain. Wind. Cooler weather. That’s the early forecast for this game. It could be tough to throw the ball. Running the ball will be a critical factor. Whoever can do that better will likely win this game.

This favors Iowa if the weather forecast holds. While the Badgers have done a great job running the ball this season, this is the bread and butter of the Iowa offense. They don’t want to throw the ball and push down the field unless they have to.

Ball security will be crucial as well. Braelon Allen did fumble near the goal line last week against Rutgers and has had issues with fumbles in his career. I guarantee Iowa will be noting that and trying to force the ball out every time he carries it.

Wisconsin Football Should Make Deacon Hill Beat Them

Sep 17, 2022; Madison, Wisconsin, USA; Wisconsin Badgers quarterback Deacon Hill (10) avoids pressure from New Mexico State Aggies defensive lineman Sterling Webb (26) during the fourth quarter at Camp Randall Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Former Wisconsin quarterback Deacon Hill will be making his first road start of his career Saturday. After a season ending injury to Cade McNamara, Hill will be the signal caller for the rest of the reason.

Hill has a start and a half under his belt so far. In that time, Hill has completed 37.5% of his passes for 274 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions. This is against Purdue and Michigan State, two of bottom five teams in the Big Ten.

This Wisconsin Football defense will be the best until he’s faced by far. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will try to keep the ball out of his hands as much as possible. If I’m Wisconsin defensive coordinator Mile Tressel, I’m selling for the run and making a young quarterback in his first road start try and beat me.

Wisconsin Football Needs to Win the Time of Possession

Nov 12, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; The line of scrimmage during the game between the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the new uptempo offense for the Badgers, they have ran the ball a ton. Iowa doesn’t have the same style of tempo and will want to run the ball too. It’s important the Badgers wear down a very good Iowa defense.

I don’t think the weather plays a factor into this. Both teams want to stay on offense as much as possile and keep their defense refreshed. This is an important game for Braelon Allen, Jackson Acker, and the Wisconsin Football offensive line. They need to win at the line of scrimmage.

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