Wisconsin Football Loses to Iowa: Here’s What Stood Out

Luke Fickell and the University of Wisconsin football team (4-2, 2-1 B1G) suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Iowa Hawkeyes, with the final score of 15-6 at Camp Randall Stadium.

Here are a few things that stood out from the Wisconsin Badgers week seven loss to Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. 

Wisconsin Football Loses QB Tanner Mordecai to Injury

In the worst-case scenario imaginable, the Wisconsin football team lost sixth-year quarterback Tanner Mordecai to injury during the 2nd quarter against the Iowa Hawkeyes. 

Yards were tough to come by in this contest, and Braedyn Locke got dealt a tough hand. The redshirt freshman completed 15-of-30 pass attempts for 122 yards, an interception, and two fumbles. 

For the Badgers, their inability to convert on third down was the story of the day, considering they finished 2-of-17.

How long Mordecai is out for is anyone’s guess, but the Wisconsin Badgers offense might have to grow up in a hurry if that absence spans more than one week. 

The Run Defense Was a Problem 

One week after their best defensive showing of the season, the Wisconsin football program took major steps back as a run defense. 

On the day, Iowa’s offense totaled 48 carries for 200 yards, led by 174 yards from starting tailback Leshon Williams. His 84-yard rushing touchdown in the first quarter ended up being the nail in the coffin for the Badgers.

Senior defensive end Rodas Johnson made a mistake in run defense that forced Jason Maitre out of position; he missed the tackle, and the Illinois native essentially called game. 

LESHON WILLIAMS 82 YARDS TO THE HOUSE! pic.twitter.com/vzBFKKWaLn

— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) October 14, 2023

The Wisconsin football defense held the Hawkeyes to just 237 yards on the day but couldn’t shut down Iowa’s running game even though they made them one-dimensional. 

Other Wisconsin Badgers Musings 

Outside linebacker C.J. Goetz had a really impactful game. The Badgers sixth-year pass-rusher finished with five tackles, 2.5 TFLs, and a pass deflection. Goetz had his second straight productive game.

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Will Pauling had another quality showing as the Wisconsin football slot wideout. The Cincinnati transfer had 12 targets for eight catches and 60 yards. He’s clearly a focal point to build around moving forward.

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Braelon Allen was rock solid against Iowa, finishing with 18 carries for 87 yards. Nothing too good or too bad to take away from this one.

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The Wisconsin football secondary held old friend Deacon Hill to 37 yards passing…and lost. That was gross.
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Luke Fickell and this Wisconsin Badgers team are going to show us what they’re made of going into the Illinois contest next week.

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Nathaniel Vakos is an NFL kicker. That’s all.

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