Grading Wisconsin football in its win over the Iowa Hawkeyes

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Taiwan Deal #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs up the field in the second half in front of linebacker Jack Hockaday #48 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Running back Taiwan Deal #28 of the Wisconsin Badgers runs up the field in the second half in front of linebacker Jack Hockaday #48 of the Iowa Hawkeyes, on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
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Wisconsin Football QB Alex Hornibrook
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Alex Hornibrook #12 of the Wisconsin Badgers scrambles on a keeper in the first half against the Iowa Hawkeyes on September 22, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Pass Offense: A

It’s hard to do much better than 17/22 for 205 yards, three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Especially on the road, at night, against a team that almost nobody thinks you’re going to beat.

This was the first game this year that Wisconsin won with Alex Hornibrook’s arm. Last week against BYU he led a drive down the field that started at the Badgers’ own eight-yard line to set up the tying field goal. This week he led a similar drive that ended in a touchdown.

One of the biggest questions coming into the season was how much Hornibrook’s game would be improved from last year. After his three scores against Iowa, his touchdown to interception ratio is in great shape at 6 to 2 for the season. His confidence looks like it’s at Orange Bowl levels. I’ve been wanting to see this kind of performance from Hornibrook from the start of the season but there’s nothing wrong with getting it in a huge road game.

The receivers did everything asked of them. Jake Ferguson made himself available for Hornibrook all night and led the team in catches and receiving yards. Danny Davis made one catch and found the end zone with it. A.J. Taylor caught three balls, including the touchdown pass to take the lead late in the game.

Seven Badgers in all recorded a catch, including Alec Ingold who took his for 33 yards. It was a complete game from the quarterback and receivers on offense. If the offense grows from here, we could be in for some very pleasant surprises down the road.