3 Reasons why Wisconsin will STOMP Iowa for the Heartland Trophy
Nov 19, 2022; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Herbie Husker and Bucky Badger pose with a Iowa has bad corn sign during the game between the Nebraska Cornhuskers and the Wisconsin Badgers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
© Dylan Widger-USA TODAY Sports
3 Reasons why Wisconsin will STOMP Iowa for the Heartland Trophy
On Saturday afternoon, the Wisconsin Badgers will host the Iowa Hawkeyes in their annual battle for the Heartland Trophy. One season ago, Iowa took care of business on their way to a 24-10 win over Wisconsin, and it helped propel them to a Big Ten West championship and a spot in the Big Ten Championship Game. But this year will be different as the Badgers will take care of business on their home turf on their way to a HUGE win over the Hawkeyes. Here are three reasons why Wisconsin will STOMP Iowa to reclaim the Heartland Trophy.
Home Field Advantage
When it comes to home-field advantages, the Wisconsin Badgers not only have one of the biggest advantages in the Big Ten, but they have one of the biggest advantages in the nation. Camp Randall Stadium stadium is purposefully designed to amplify noise, with the Wisconsin fans being known for their constant uproar. Among them, the student section stands out as one of the most raucous in the nation. And if anyone still had reservations about its reputation in the Big Ten, just experience the fourth quarter when "Jump Around" plays over the speakers! When the Iowa offense (if you can call it that) is on the field, they will have a very difficult time with the noise.
Wisconsin's Defense Will Shine
Heading into the season, Michigan transfer Cade McNamara was expected to lead the way for the Hawkeyes at the QB position, and that is exactly how things played out. Fast forward to the present and with McNamara out with an injury, it will be former Wisconsin QB Deacon Hill who will get the start. Hill has been horrendous throwing the football (21-of-56 for 274 yards on the season) for Iowa, which means the Hawkeyes will try to run the football. Wisconsin has the No. 26 rush defense in the nation, and one week ago, they only gave up 64 total rushing yards to a Rutgers rushing attack that was ranked No. 22 heading into the game. The problem for the Hawkeyes is that they cannot run the football! In fact, they have the No. 106 rushing attack in the nation with only 119.3 rushing yards per game. The Badgers defense will DOMINATE this game and I would be surprised if Iowa is able to score more than 10 points.
Nov 12, 2022; Iowa City, Iowa, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Quinn Schulte (30) and Wisconsin Badgers running back Isaac Guerendo (20) in action during the game at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
The Badgers Offense Will Do Enough
When it comes to the Badgers offense, they have not exactly been brilliant in 2023, but they have not been bad. Heading into the game, Wisconsin has the No. 55 ranked offense, and they will have their work cut out for them against an Iowa defense that has been very good so far this season. With that being said, if the Hawkeyes have any weakness at all on the defensive side of the ball, it is their ability to dominate against the run. Guess what? That just so happens to be the strength of the Badgers offense as they bring in the No. 16 ranked rushing attack in the nation. Will Wisconsin run all over Iowa? Probably not. But they will certainly do more than enough to keep the Badgers offense on the field for most of the day.
Final Score Prediction
As it stands, Wisconsin is currently a 9.5-point home favorite over Iowa, and I believe the Badgers will cover that spread. With a win, the Badgers will put themselves in a great spot to win the Big Ten West, and the fans at Camp Randall will be doing everything they can to help make that happen. Even if Cade McNamara was healthy for Iowa, it would not be nearly enough to pull off the upset. Look for Wisconsin defense to choke out the Iowa offense, and for the Badgers rushing attack to do their thing when Wisconsin has the ball. This game will not be close.
Prediction: Wisconsin 20 Iowa 6
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