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The rivalry between the Wisconsin Badgers and the Iowa Hawkeyes dates back all the way to 1894, making it one of the storied rivalries in college football. But up until recently, the Hawkeyes and Badgers played for pride and bragging rights as there was no trophy involved. That changed in 2004 when the Heartland Trophy was introduced. Here is a history, albeit brief, of the battle for the Heartland Trophy.
The trophy is a bull that sits on a base made of walnut and is 30 inches tall, 36 inches wide and 18 inches deep. The creator is former Iowa football player Frank Strub.
Iowa won the first battle for the Heartland Trophy, defeating Wisconsin 30-7 November 20, 2004. In fact the Hawkeyes hold a 4-3 advantage over the Badgers since the trophy was introduced.
Currently the Badgers are in possession of the trophy, defeating Iowa 31-30 thanks to a late touchdown. Since expanding the Big Ten, the two teams have not met since 2010. Starting next season with the addition of Maryland and Rutgers, the two teams will not only be in the same division but will be able to renew their annually rivalry.
With the series spanning over 100 years and the addition of the Heartland Trophy, the rivalry between Wisconsin and Iowa is one of the best games in college football today. It should be another classic game between these two renowned programs.