Game To Watch: Wisconsin at #16 Iowa: December 12, 2020

Wisconsin will visit Iowa in a Big Ten West contest this Saturday at 3:30. Wisconsin is 2 – 2 but has lost two straight games in their often interrupted 2020 season. Iowa is 5 – 2 and has won five straight games after two close losses to open the season. Northwestern has already clinched the Big Ten West, but the winner of this game will play Indiana next weekend in the two vs two match-up.

Recent History

Wisconsin has won four straight games in the series, including a 24 – 22 battle last year. Wisconsin built a 21 – 6 lead in that game then held off the Iowa comeback to secure the victory. Iowa’s last win was a 10 – 6 victory in a defensive struggle during the 2015 season. Despite Wisconsin’s recent success this has historically been a very even series, with the Badgers leading 48 – 43 with 2 ties.

Top 25 Players

What To Watch For…

Will Iowa’s offensive line be able to handle Wisconsin’s pressure?

Iowa’s offensive line is consistently one of the best in the conference, if not the entire country. 2020 is no exception, the Hawkeyes have a talented offensive line that has gelled as the season progressed. The offensive line has only allowed nine sacks in seven games this season, giving new quarterback Spencer Petras time to learn the offense and get comfortable. They have also led the way for a strong running game that averages 4.7 yards per carry, ranking fourth in the conference in this area. Wisconsin’s run defense is the best in the Big Ten, allowing just 72.3 yards per game. The Badgers create disruption up front with different stunts and pressures from different spots that confuse the offensive line. The strategy has been successful against the run and though they have not gotten as many sacks, the Badgers have been pressuring opposing quarterbacks. If Iowa can’t pick up the pressure packages it will be a tough day for the Iowa offense.

Does Jalen Berger get more carries?

True freshman Jalen Berger has been the Badgers best offensive player in every game he has played in. The talented running back is averaging 5.9 yards per carry and has run for 89 yards per game. Berger has gotten exactly 15 carries in each of his three games this season. He is clearly the best option running the ball for the Badgers and conventional wisdom would suggest that he should be getting more touches. Iowa’s defense is ranked third in the conference in scoring, allowing just 17.3 points per game and is stout against the run and the pass. They do not give up many big plays and force plenty of turnovers, with 16 turnover forced already this season. If Wisconsin is going to be successful offensively, Berger will have to get the ball and make plays, which will make things easier for the passing game.

Can Graham Mertz return to form?

After Wisconsin’s season opening win, Mertz was the talk of college football. In his first start, Mertz completed 20 of 21 passes and showed the explosive potential of the Wisconsin passing game. Mertz tested positive for Covid and isolated for 21 days before returning for the Michigan game. He was not as sharp against the Wolverines, though the Badgers running game made it inconsequential. Against Northwestern and Indiana, Mertz struggles have been more pronounced, he appears to be unsure of himself in the pocket and is turning the ball over far too often. Iowa’s defense will not make things easy for the young quarterback. They play fundamentally sound defense and limit the big plays available to the offense. Forcing teams to work their way down the field and capitalizing on any mistakes by converting turnovers. Wisconsin needs Mertz to bounce back and play like he did earlier in the season to win the game on Saturday.

Prediction

Nothing comes easy against these two teams. Both teams will attempt to establish the running game and built their offense out from there. Expect a low scoring game that goes back and forth as both defenses make big plays. Mertz hasn’t played well of late and Iowa’s ability to force turnovers will show up again on Saturday. Iowa 20 Wisconsin 17.

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