The Big Ten may have moved on from divisions, but the Wisconsin Badgers and the Iowa haven’t moved on from each other. The rivalry still means toughness, field position, and football the way it used to be played: gritty, physical, and often decided by one or two mistakes. This time, though, the Badgers have a new face under center.
Quarterback Hunter Simmons, the graduate transfer from Southern Illinois, will make his first home start at Camp Randall, and he just might be the key to flipping the script.
Simmons isn’t a gunslinger, and that’s a good thing against Iowa. In his debut at Michigan, he showed poise under pressure and solid command of the offense, completing 18 of 29 passes for 177 yards. His lone interception came on an aggressive deep shot, a learning moment rather than a meltdown. What Wisconsin needs from Simmons on Saturday isn’t flash, it’s control. He’s proven he can protect the football (zero interceptions in his final season at Southern Illinois) and keep drives alive with efficient, short-to-intermediate throws. If he can stay within himself, make clean reads, and let the run game carry the load, the Badgers’ offense can finally find balance.
Iowa’s defensive front is as disciplined as any in the country, but Wisconsin’s offensive line can dictate the tempo if it finds rhythm early. Dillin Jones and the ground game must keep Iowa honest, forcing linebackers to step up and opening windows for Simmons on play-action. The more Wisconsin controls the clock, the less Iowa can feed off turnovers and momentum, their two greatest weapons.
Iowa’s offense has yet to find its footing this season, and that’s where Wisconsin’s defense has to pounce. Coordinator Mike Tressel will likely mix in blitzes and disguised coverages to test Iowa’s protection and decision-making. The Badgers’ defense doesn’t need to score; they just need to keep the game muddy and within reach for Simmons and company.
Every Iowa game turns into a special-teams duel. Wisconsin can’t afford lapses, no shanked punts, no missed tackles in coverage. One momentum swing on a return could undo a half’s worth of work. Against Iowa, you don’t get many red-zone chances. When they come, Simmons and offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes have to make them count. Expect tight ends to feature heavily, play-action, seam routes, and quick outs that play to Simmons’ accuracy and composure. Field goals keep you close; touchdowns win you the game.
The bottom line is the Big Ten West might be gone, but the blueprint for winning games like this hasn’t changed. It’s about patience, physicality, and quarterback play that complements the system, not overpowers it. If Hunter Simmons can stay calm under pressure, take care of the ball, and make Iowa pay for overcommitting to the run, Wisconsin can absolutely pull the upset at Camp Randall.
In a rivalry built on defense and grit, sometimes the steadiest hand, not the strongest arm, makes all the difference.
