Wisconsin-Iowa is one of the better rivalries in the Big Ten. In my opinion, it is a bit underrated. People focus on Wisconsin’s rivalry with Minnesota. While with Iowa, people focus on Iowa State and somewhat Nebraska. These two teams play close games for the most part. Although, this rivalry has been one-sided of late. Wisconsin has won six of the last seven games including the last three games. Can Wisconsin make it seven of eight and continue their chance at a Big Ten championship?

Three storylines to Watch
1. Can Nate Stanley cure his Wisconsin demons? – I’ve talked a little bit about this on the podcast, but Wisconsin rattles him. He is from Menomonie, Wisconsin, he wears Brett Favre’s number, and Gary Andersen foolishly didn’t recruit him. Stanley struggled at Camp Randall last season throwing only for 41 yards. After they beat Ohio State, Stanley completely fell apart against Wisconsin. This will be his last game against Wisconsin and he’s 0-2. Stanley will be looking for revenge and try to make a statement versus the Badgers.

2. Which defense will win out? – Iowa and Wisconsin defenses are some of the best in the nation. Iowa only allowed nine touchdowns all season. Wisconsin has been a bear on defense all season and especially at home. Opposing teams only scored 14 points at Camp Randall, and that was when Badgers pulled starters against Michigan. This game likely comes down to which defense cracks first.

3. Jonathan Taylor’s big moment – In a weird way, Jonathan Taylor needs a little bit of redemption. Now, we all knew he probably wasn’t going to win the Heisman Trophy. Taylor fell off a cliff against Illinois and Ohio State especially the Buckeyes. How does Taylor respond against a very good Iowa rushing attack? Taylor had some big games against Iowa in the last two years. He rushed for 157 yards for a 5.4 average in 2017, and in 2018, he rushed for 113 yards for a 4.5 average. He’s done it before against Iowa.

Predicted Player of the Game
Jonathan Taylor – This is a big bounceback game for Taylor. This game is going to be a ground and pound football game where it’s mostly about running the football. Taylor is the best player on the field, and he’s going to show it on Saturday afternoon.

Prediction
Are we sure Iowa is good? They haven’t exactly beaten anyone worth noting honestly. They lost to Michigan by three and Penn State dominated them with Iowa getting a late touchdown to make it look closer. Stanley struggles and Badgers bounce back with a strong victory. Badgers 20 Hawkeyes 6

Charlie.