A ROUGH LANDING
WISCONSIN NEEDS TO BOUNCE BACK FROM BYU UPSET. iOWA CITY ISN’T THE EASIEST PLACE TO DO THAT
KEYS FOR WISCONSIN
Fine-tune the defense: BYU stymied Wisconsin last week with a mix of motion plays and jet sweeps that overwhelmed the Badgers and kept them off-balance. Not only is Wisconsin young on defense, with first-year starters at cornerback, outside linebacker and defensive end, the Badgers also missed lots of tackles against the Cougars. They will need to quickly turn the page, though possibly without linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, who left the 24-21 loss with a right leg injury.
Pound the ball: Running back Jonathan Taylor totaled 117 yards on 26 carries but couldn’t break off the big run the Badgers needed and also was kept out of the end zone. If Wisconsin’s ground-and-pound offense wants better success against Iowa, the Badgers need Taylor and company to exploit seams in the Hawkeyes’ defense.
KEYS FOR IOWA
Apply the pressure: Iowa’s fast start can be attributed to its defense, which allows an average of only 209 yards per game and has given up only 25 yards rushing in the past two games. The Hawkeyes have allowed a mere 24 points this season, though the competition (Northern Illinois, Iowa State and Northern Iowa) is a combined 1-6. This week marks a big step up in competition.
Lean on the RBs: Toren Young and Mekhi Sargent have had success splitting time at running back since Ivory KellyMartin went down with an ankle injury in the Hawkeyes’ opener against Northern Illinois.
PREDICTION
Wisconsin 24, Iowa 21: Losing at home to BYU was an embarrassment for the Badgers, who plummeted in the national rankings. It also makes their Big Ten opener a must-win. Taylor had 157 yards rushing in an easy win over Iowa last year, but Wisconsin also will need a complete game from Alex Hornibrook, who was shaky at times a week ago.