Iowa vs Wisconsin - Predictions

When Wisconsin has the ball-
Wisconsin's offense starts and ends with the run.  Both John Clay and James White will carry the ball for the Badgers and they are averaging 113 and 80 yards per game respectively.  Clay has yet to catch a ball out of the backfield, so don't look for him on passing downs to leave the backfield.  Last year, the Badgers were able to gouge the Hawkeye defense with the counter run, but in the second half, Iowa made some changes and were able to stymie the Badger offense.  The senior signal caller for Wisconsin, Scott Tolzien, is more of a game manager than a game controller.  He has only had one game so far this season with more than one touchdown and that came in a 70-3 route.  Look for Iowa to load the box and force Wisconsin to pass the ball.  When they do pass the ball, Tolzien looks for his tight end Lance Kendricks and wide receiver Nick Toon.  Toon missed three games with injury, but is still second on the team in receptions.  Almost every pass attempt that Wisconsin makes is off the play-action.  There is a huge advantage for Iowa as Wisconsin runs about the same type of offense that Iowa runs and the defense has played against that kind of offense since fall camp opened.

When Iowa has the ball-
The Wisconsin defense is solid, but not spectacular.  They have yet to really be tested, last week they jumped out to an early lead against Ohio State and forced the Buckeyes to be one dimensional.  They are solid in the line and linebackers, but their secondary is the weak point of the defense.  Iowa should be able to move the ball, but must avoid turnovers to win the game.

What will happen-
This game will take fans back to yesteryear in the Big Ten.  It will be like two prize fighters in the middle of the ring trading body blows with both teams needing to run to set up the pass.  Look for Iowa to get ahead early with a play action pass to McNutt.  The halftime score will be close something like 10-7 or 13-10 with Iowa holding the lead.  The second half will like most Iowa games be dominated by the Hawkeyes.  The Iowa defense will contain the running backs and force Tolzien into passing situations.  Iowa will take the air out of the ball with the run game and short passes to keep the clock moving.

Predictions:
Iowa - 27
Wisconsin - 13

Adam Robinson eclipses the century mark with 100+ yards and 2 TD's
Rick Stanzi has a quiet game with 200+ yards passing 1 TD
DJK comes up short of the record with 4 catches for 60 yards
Iowa defense holds Clay to only 80 yards or less
Iowa turns Wisconsin over four times
Sash has two interceptions