Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz - Jeff Hanisch/USA TODAY Sports
Heading into this game, it was known that the Iowa Hawkeyes and the Wisconsin Badgers were the top two teams in the Big West. There were two factors heading into the game that gave Wisconsin the edge. The first is that the game took place in Wisconsin. The second is that Iowa is without their starting quarterback, having to start Deacon Hill. Here is a look back at the Iowa Hawkeyes win.
Iowa Hawkeyes Run the Ball
Hill does deserve credit for stepping up and still helping the Hawkeyes win despite being without Cade McNamara. He may not be the best quarterback out there, but he is not costing the team. He is out there doing his job, and that is what matters. By the end of the game, Hill had six completions out of 14 attempts for just 37 yards, according to ESPN. He never turned the ball over, even with one fumble, it was not turned over.
What helped this Hawkeyes team win was their effort in the run game. The team ended up with 200 rushing yards in the game. The leading rusher is Leshon Williams. He had 25 carries for 174 yards and one touchdown. Williams stepped up big time, and his touchdown was a big help for this team, in an overall low-scoring slow game.
Iowa Defense Stands Strong
It may not have been the most fun college football game, but Iowa played their game the way they knew how. Their strength is in their defense. Wisconsin attempted 50 passes throughout the game between two quarterbacks. The Badgers were not able to get any touchdowns throughout the game. It is unfortunate what happened to McNamara, but the season continues. This defense is one that the team can continue to rely on to help get wins.
Aside from limiting scoring plays, the defense ended up with one sack, four tackles for loss, and one interception, according to ESPN. In the fourth quarter, Wisconsin quarterback, Braedyn Locke was faced with a third and nine. Locke ended up facing a sack in the endzone. Of course, this led to a safety, putting Iowa up 12-6.
What’s Next for the Hawkeyes?
With the sixth win of the season, the Iowa Hawkeyes are bowl eligible. This may not have been the best college football game of the weekend, but this win is big for Iowa. While many give them credit for having just one loss in the year, there are still skeptics. The win over Wisconsin is big, pushing them one step closer to a chance to end up first in the Big West. Next up, the Hawkeyes will face the Minnesota Golden Gophers. If Iowa continues to play as a team, they have a good chance of winning and staying first in the West.
