Now almost a week removed from a deeply satisfying and propulsive victory over the USC Trojans in Madison, the No. 25 Badgers face another stiff test in the form of the Iowa Hawkeyes, a squad that has completely dominated them since 2021, including last year’s brutal and humiliating 37-0 beatdown in Madison.
But I dare say, the Badgers are in a different place now than they were that forgettable night last October in Camp Randall. This squad, while far from perfect, has a bit of mojo as they head
into Kinnick Stadium to face a 5-2 Iowa unit coming off a rough loss to PJ Fleck’s Minnesota Gophers.
The Hawkeyes will be ornery and at home when they face the Badgers. That translates into them almost certainly being a tough out for Bucky.
Let’s look at the Best Case, Worst Case, and Most Likely outcomes for the Badgers against the Hawkeyes on Saturday.
Best Case
I know I’ve been less bullish on this Badger group than many, but if you’re expecting me not to have a Wisconsin win here, you’ve overestimated my negativity.
If the Badgers can come in and play tough and relatively error-free football, they can absolutely steal one in Kinnick from their recent oppressors. Will this be easy? No. But it’s firmly in the realm of possibility against a solid but not special Hawkeyes team.
Score: Wisconsin 17-9.
Worst Case
Dangling a Worst Case in front of me on Iowa week is like a hot plate of free fried cheese. But I won’t take the bait by calling a blowout here.
That said, it isn’t much better. The Badgers simply get outphysical-ed by the Hawkeyes, who, fresh off a humbling Gopher loss, roll in ready to do some damage and accomplish that goal.
Not much works for Bucky, and they limp out of Kinnick very glad to be facing Rutgers at home the next week.
Score: Iowa 23-6.
Most Likely
Do I think Wisconsin has a realistic shot to win this? Yes. But that’s not the same thing as saying it’s likely to happen.
The Badgers come into Iowa City motivated and battle hard all day but can’t get enough done on offense, and a key turnover spells the difference in a tight but frustrating loss.
If this scenario comes to pass, it’s still looking good that I’ll have Badger wins as my Most Likely result for the rest of the regular season.
Score: Iowa 17-13.
