The Wisconsin Badgers have an absolute monster of a game on Saturday against the Iowa Hawkeyes. It's a game that the Badgers may want even more than the Hawkeyes, but don't count out the fact that Iowa lost last week and is coming for blood. They also don't want to give up the Heartland Trophy and have history on their side.
Iowa hasn't seen a Wisconsin team like this in a while. This is a matchup reminiscent of the Big Ten West, and it should be an absolute slugfest. If that doesn't get your blood racing, I don't know what will. Let's make some really bold predictions that will give the win to Wisconsin. These have to happen for the Badgers to win, but if even a couple of them do, Wisconsin will walk away with the win.
1. Wisconsin will out rush Iowa
The Hawkeyes had the tale of two rushing games in the last two weeks. Kamari Moulton rushed for over 200 yards in the game against Washington, but then against Minnesota couldn't find any space. Moulton went down with an injury after 10 carries but still only had 22 yards. The total attack against the Golden Gophers was 90 yards rushing.
Wisconsin, on the other hand, finally has a healthy Abu Sama III, with a three-headed monster attack featuring Darrion Dupree and a feisty Bryan Jackson. Iowa lost Moulton. This may not be the boldest prediction, but after what we have seen from Wisconsin against USC and Iowa's struggles, Wisconsin has the better rushing attack on Saturday.
2. Wisconsin will hold Iowa to less than 15 points
Maybe also not as bold as you'd think, considering the Hawkeyes only scored 10 points against Iowa. Though, to Iowa's credit, they scored 19 against Michigan and 14 against Ohio State. Those are two of the better defenses in the Big Ten. Wisconsin will match Ohio State and maybe even Minnesota.
If the Badger offense can do anything, this should be a win for the good guys.
3. Sebastian Cheeks will have 3+ sacks
Cheeks is on a personal mission this season. He's among the top players in all of the Power-4 with quarterback pressures, and he was all over Jayden Maiva last week. The Iowa offensive line is better, but it seems as if Cheeks is finally getting his "bring down the quarterback" rhythm going. This could be a big game for Cheeks if he keeps simply doing what he does best.
4. Colton Joseph throws for 150+ yards for the first time in 3 games
Finally, a really bold prediction. Joseph hasn't had even 100 yards in two straight games. He didn't need to be the hero against USC, and that's the way Wisconsin needs to play. Drake Lindsay had 137 yards against Iowa, Elijah Brown had 251 yards, Julian Sayin had 351, and we could keep going. But essentially, there's room in the passing attack for Joseph to find some explosive plays and to get after his favorite targets.
The ideal offensive plan will be a rush-heavy attack, but with some shots taken and Joseph having some options to run or pass.
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