Wisconsin Football vs. Iowa Preview: Battle for the Heartland Trophy

The Wisconsin Badgers Football team has arguably their most important game of the season to date this weekend.

After a 24-13 win over Rutgers last week, The Badgers welcome the Iowa Hawkeyes to Camp Randall this Saturday. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 PM on FOX.

The Hawkeyes enter this game at 5-1 after a 20-14 win over Purdue. What’s interesting is despite the record, the Wisconsin Badgers are considered 10 point favorites.

Here is an early look at the Iowa Hawkeyes as the Heartland Trophy is up for grabs.

The Defense Does Everything

Any consistent follower of college football knows Iowa is a defensive-led team and a lot of their recent success has been because of a dominant defense.

However, that was suppose to change this year when former Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara transferred to the Hawkeyes to fix the offense. Unfortunately, McNamara suffered a season ending injury against Michigan State.

Even before the injury, the Iowa offense was horrendous and have been horrendous all season. They can’t throw the ball and only average 3.5 yards a game on the ground.

How has Iowa five games? It because of the defense. It’s a defense led by players like Cooper DeJean, Jay Higgins, and Joe Evans.

Iowa has played one good team. It was Penn State and they fell 31-0 in a game that was worst than the score showed. They have played five mediocre teams. Wisconsin is much better than those teams.

A Familiar Face for Wisconsin Football

With the injury to McNamara, it will be former Wisconsin football quarterback Deacon Hill under center. The redshirt sophomore spent his first two years at Wisconsin before entering the transfer portal.

Hill’s statistics are rough right now, but he hasn’t played much football going back to his senior year of high school in a COVID year playing only three games.

Hill has a cannon for an arm but accuracy has always been an issue. I don’t know if he’ll take many shots down the field, but expect Iowa to try and win this game with field position and time of possession. If I’m Mike Tressel, I’m sending pressure every single play.

Cooper DeJean Could Be an Issue for Wisconsin Football

The one player Wisconsin Football needs to watch for is cornerback Cooper DeJean. Not only is he a very good corner, he’s a threat on special teams. He returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State that led the Hawkeyes to a victory.

I would not be surprised if DeJean took some snaps on offense. He is Iowa’s best play-maker and can turn around the momentum of a game in a heartbeat. The Wisconsin Badgers have to know when DeJean is on the field and have to know where he is at all times.

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