Wisconsin Favored By 2 1/2 Over No. 11 Iowa

NFL News - October 16th, 2009 - Written by Scott

No. 11 Iowa will look to stay undefeated on Saturday as they travel to play Wisconsin in a crucial game in the Big 10. Iowa (6-0, 2-0) is tied for first in the conference with Ohio State while Wisconsin (5-1, 2-1) sits in a three way tie for second. The Wisconsin Badgers are coming off a heartbreaking 31-13 loss to the Buckeyes last week in which Ohio State had 3 returns for touchdowns. The Ohio Hawkeyes squeaked by Michigan last week 30-28 to stay undefeated. Iowa won their meeting last year 28-16.

The Iowa offense has been plagued by injuries all year which could be the reason they have played so inconsistently in their six games. Quarterback Ricky Stanzi has been up and down all year. He has thrown for 1,359 yards and 10 touchdowns, but has 8 interceptions so far this season. Freshman running back Adam Robinson leads their running attack with 429 yards and 4 touchdowns. Injuries has taken a toll on their receiving group. After missing three games with an ankle injury, Tony Moeaki returned last week and had 105 yards and 2 touchdowns against the Wolverines. Marvin McNutt and Trey Stross have stepped up and combined for 536 yards and 3 touchdowns. The Hawkeyes offense is averaging 25.7 points per game and 363 total yards.

Iowa has performed well against the run this season and will need to continue this against Wisconsin which has a strong rushing attack. They also have been able to come up with big plays throughout the season and should look to stop the Badgers' running game to force them to go to the air.

Wisconsin will bring a very balanced offensive attack against Iowa and will need to be successful this weekend as not to become one-dimensional. Quarterback Scott Tolzien has passed for 1,293 yards and 9 touchdowns. He has been successful in spreading the ball around and has three receivers with over 300 yards receiving. Nick Toon, Isaac Anderson, and Garrett Graham have combined for 933 yards and 7 touchdowns. Their rushing attack has been powerful this year and is led by John Clay. Clay has rushed for 641 yards and 7 touchdowns, despite only gaining 59 yards last week against Ohio State.

The Badger defense is loaded with playmakers at every position. They held the Buckeyes to just 184 yards last week and will need to continue this effort against Iowa. The only area of concern is the defensive secondary which has allowed 10 touchdown passes this season.

BetUS sportsbook has Wisconsin favored by 2 1/2 over No. 11 Iowa. The over/under is set at 48.

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