There are no excuses for the Wisconsin Badgers against the Iowa Hawkeyes this weekend. Yes, this game is being played in Iowa City and it's a tough road environment, but Wisconsin has enough talent on both sides of the ball to get the job done.
Iowa is set to start backup quarterback Brendan Sullivan, as Cade McNamara will be out with a concussion. It will be on the Wisconsin defense to make life brutal for Sullivan as he gets ready to make his first start of 2024.
Meanwhile for the Wisconsin offense, we need to see something much different than what was showcased against Penn State. It goes without saying, but the ground game must improve - things begin and end there with star running back Tawee Walker, who must step up for this team in Week 10.
Wisconsin RB Tawee Walker is coming off a rough showing vs. Penn State
In the loss last week to the Nittany Lions, Walker was off his game and the offensive line didn't do him any favors. He finished the loss with 22 carries for 59 yards and a touchdown. His 2.7 yards per carry were tough to see, especially after he posted 126 yards and 198 yards, respectively, in the two games before.
In Wisconsin's losses to ranked teams this year, Walker hasn't looked strong. It's a bit disheartening that his lowest totals this season have come against Penn State, USC and Alabama. While Iowa isn't ranked, they still have a stingy defense and the Badgers will need to rely on Walker to move the sticks.
On the year, the 5-9, 220-pounder has rushed for 624 yards and 10 touchdowns. With Braedyn Locke struggling in getting the aerial attack going, it will be yet another reason to feed Walker early and often against the Hawkeyes. If he can get back on track and help Wisconsin chew up the clock, it could make the difference in the Badgers posting a win in this one.