The Hawkeyes never trailed in Madison en route to an Iowa-classic, 15-6 win over Wisconsin. Over 200 rushing yards, just 37 passing yards, and a score of each variety – a touchdown, two field goals, a safety, and an extra point. At one point, Iowa went three-and-out six consecutive times for a total of three yards. Phil Parker’s defense was suffocating from the jump, Tory Taylor put on a punting clinic, and Iowa imposed its will on the ground when it mattered most. The Heartland Trophy will reside in Iowa City for back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2008-2009.
Iowa Runs Away with the Bull
Iowa ran 62 plays against Wisconsin and 46 were design run plays. Adjusting for sacks, Iowa averaged just under five yards per carry with 217 rushing yards. Brian Ferentz opened up the game with seven straight run plays for 32 yards. The drive ended with a punt, but the eight-play possession was a refreshing start to the football game. The ensuing Iowa possession lasted 12 plays. In total, Iowa’s first two drives amounted to 80 yards. Even though neither resulted in points, they were two of the better opening drives of this season.
That start would be the theme of the day for the Hawkeyes. Leshon Williams led the charge with 25 attempts for 174 yards in a career day. He broke an 82-yard run for a touchdown on Iowa’s fourth possession of the game for an early second-quarter lead. Williams finished the day with three explosive runs that totaled 123 yards and averaged seven yards per carry. The Hawkeye offensive line took advantage of the Badger front, winning the battle at the point of attack when it mattered.
Iowa Defense Suffocates Wisconsin
In another refreshing change, the Hawkeye defense was on the field for less than half of the game for the first time in Big Ten play all season. The unit forced seven three-and-outs and was absolutely stifling on third down giving up just two of 17 attempts. As we thought in the week leading up to the game, Iowa did give up yards to this Wisconsin air-raid offense. The Badgers threw for 228 yards and gave up 332 total yards on the day. As a team, they put together just over four yards per play, but they couldn’t push their drives into the red area. Just two of Wisconsin’s drives ended in the red zone, and only three points resulted.
What mattered, though, was Iowa got off the field when it needed to. Wisconsin had three drives that lasted 10-plus plays and 60-plus yards. None of which resulted in a touchdown. Iowa forced a turnover on downs on one of them and held the Badgers to field goals on the other.
Fourth Quarter Sequence
Early in the fourth quarter, Iowa was hanging on to a four-point lead over Wisconsin and was in need of a spark to pull away. The defense took the field after a kickoff that started the Badgers inside their own 10-yard line. On third and long, Sebastian Castro flew into the backfield and disrupted Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke. That allowed Yahya Black to get in the backfield and sack Locke in the end zone for a safety.
The teams traded punts before the Hawkeye defense struck again. This time, Iowa forced a fumble on a critical fourth and one. It was recovered by Wisconsin, and replay confirmed that Braelon Allen had the line to gain. But on the ensuing play, Aaron Graves forced another fumble. This time, Iowa recovered. The Hawkeyes went 17 yards and Drew Stevens nailed a field goal to make it a two-score game.
Wisconsin would have one more chance late in the fourth quarter to drive the field. The drive lasted 48 yards before Castro stepped in front of a pass for his third interception of the season. He finished with seven tackles, two tackles for loss, a pass-breakup, a forced fumble, and a game-sealing interception.
Punting Clinic
Taylor was a big part of the Hawkeye victory in Madison. He took the field 10 times, punting for 506 yards with a long of 62 yards. He pinned Wisconsin inside its own 20-yard line six times, with three inside the six-yard line. Taylor’s performance combined with the defensive effort from Iowa on the day epitomized what a Hawkeye, complementary football victory looks like.
Another Potential Big Injury on Offense
In the first quarter, Erick All caught his second pass of the day and was awkwardly tackled at his legs. He stayed down on the field pointing at his knee before he had to be helped off the field. From the looks of the play, the injury looked serious and could be the third significant blow to the Iowa offense. To date, the Hawkeyes have lost their starting quarterback and starting tight end for the year, and now potentially their other starting tight end. It’s been a season of bad luck for injuries thus far, but we’ll know more as we get into next week.
Iowa Secures Driver’s Seat in Big Ten West
Wisconsin and Iowa entered Saturday’s Heartland Trophy Game at the top of the Big Ten West. This victory was going to provide a significant advantage in the division, and Iowa was able to come away with the win. Both teams now have one loss in the conference, but Iowa’s head-to-head over the Badgers lifts them to first place in the West.
There’s a very real possibility that this Iowa team continues to win football games despite the injuries and lack of passing game. The Hawkeyes return home next week to play another rivalry game. This time, it’s for the Floyd of Rosedale against a Minnesota team off of a bye week. With the win in Madison, Iowa is in control of its own destiny, and has everything in front of it.
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