Iowa and Wisconsin have an under-the-radar rivalry in the Big Ten. People do not talk about it in the same way they do with some of the others in the conference, but it’s a very fun game each and every year. Wisconsin holds the series lead at 45-43-2, and the games are usually not blowouts. In recent years, this game has been known for being a defensive struggle, but it does not appear this year that will be the case. Iowa’s offense is suddenly potent, and they’ll give the Badgers a challenge.

Alex Hornibrook needs to be better than he’s been – If you watched the Hawkeyes drub the Buckeyes, you saw JT Barrett become a turnover machine. That’s a terrifying thought for Wisconsin considering Alex Hornibrook has throw an interception in every game this season minus the BYU game. Iowa will be looking to take advantage, and that’s something Wisconsin must avoid on Saturday.

Akrum Wadley versus this Badgers front seven – Wisconsin will be without Chris Orr for this game, but that doesn’t mean the front seven will be at a complete lost. They’re a top five run defense in the country, and while Nate Stanley, Iowa’s quarterback, is enjoying a breakout season, the team is still built on a running game first. In games where the Hawkeyes struggled to score, Wadley did not play well with only 26 yards versus Michigan State, and against Northwestern, it took 26 carries to get to 90 yards.

Jonathan Taylor’s shot at Heisman consideration – Some of the national media are talking about Jonathan Taylor for Heisman, but it’s not enough. It’s always hard as a freshman to break through especially at a non-quarterback position. Iowa is a top 50 rushing defense, but they’re susceptible. Remember Saquon Barkley had a massive game on the ground going for 211 earlier this season. If Taylor were to put on a show at Camp Randall and led this team to victory, the Heisman buzz would get louder and stronger.

Prediction: I expect this game to be a little more high-scoring than the last couple affairs. I do like what Iowa has this season and going forward, yet this feels like a letdown spot for me. It’s imperative that Wisconsin gets out quickly here and smacks the Hawkeyes early which hasn’t been their brand this season. I like nice day from Taylor and limited mistakes from Hornibrook result in a Wisconsin win. UW 27-17

Charlie.