Iowa/Wisconsin is about as Big Ten of a game as a Big Ten game gets. Two of the better rushing defenses in the NCAA, two run-oriented offenses, and two head coaches with Big Ten roots — can’t say much more than that.
Rushing Defense — Iowa: 84 yards per game, Wisconsin: 82 yards per game
Naturally, we’ll start with a look at each rushing defense, which will play a major role in Saturday’s contest in Madison. Before the Hawkeyes allowed 183 yards on the ground to North Texas last weekend, they were tops in the Big Ten with an average of 51 yards allowed.
The stout version of Iowa’s defense, rather than the one that showed up last weekend, will have to show up Saturday to give the Hawks a chance to win — the Badgers average 188.25 rushing yards per contest.
As far as the Wisconsin defense goes, it has been nothing short of phenomenal since allowing 238 yards in the opening week against Alabama. Granted, the Badgers have played three cupcake games, giving up only 90 yards in those contests
Iowa’s rushing attack isn’t as good as Alabama’s. The Hawkeyes average 196.25 yards per contest to the Crimson Tide’s 202.5, but that doesn’t mean Wisconsin is in for a stroll in the park.
Third-down conversions — Iowa: 52 percent, Wisconsin opponents: 32.14 percent
Iowa’s early success on third down shouldn’t be much of a surprise for the Hawkeye faithful. After all, Iowa finished third in the Big Ten in this category last season, converting at a 44.78 percent clip, behind only Ohio State and Michigan State.
In 2015, this metric is good for the top spot in the Big Ten but it was boosted by a 6-of-9 showing against North Texas.
Obviously, the Hawkeyes would love to be in as few third-down situations as possible, but they should take solace in knowing they’ve been successful this year — even if Wisconsin’s defense has done a fine job of getting off the field.
Total offense — Iowa: 439.3 yards per game, Wisconsin: 408 yards per game
Again, take this metric with a grain of salt. The only defense remotely close to being classified as legitimate Iowa has faced this far is Pittsburgh’s, which ranks No. 17 nationally in total defense, giving up an average of 291.7 yards.
Wisconsin is in a similar boat. Head coach Paul Chryst’s squad faced Alabama, which ranks No. 12 nationally, giving up an average of 267 yards per contest.
When Iowa played Pittsburgh, the Hawkeyes racked up 363 yards of offense (that’s the only time this year the Hawks have failed to break 400), and when Wisconsin played the Crimson Tide, it managed 268 yards.
Punting — Iowa: 45.87 yards per punt, Wisconsin: 40.67 yards per punt
Field position should play a big part in this contest, as it does in most Big Ten matchups.
Hawkeye Dillon Kidd has done a nice job this year, averaging 47.92 per punt. Kidd hasn’t yet qualified for the Big Ten leaderboard, but if he had, that number would rank first in the league. Wisconsin’s Drew Meyer ranks seventh among qualified punters in the league at 40.7 yards per attempt.