One could call the first four weeks of Iowa’s schedule a pre-test meant to prepare it ready to take a run at the Big Ten West title. At 4-0, the Hawks have passed with flying colors.

Now it’s time for the real thing.

Arguably the Hawkeyes’ biggest game of the year, Iowa’s clash with Wisconsin on Saturday could be their most punishing, physical contest of the season. Because of this, the Hawks’ ability to take a punch and bounce back will be a major factor if they want to win the Big Ten West.

“When you get to Big Ten play, it’s guys we’re more familiar with that are more familiar with us, so they’re always tough, hard-fought, physical games,” running back Jordan Canzeri said. “We’re expecting nothing less.”

Many see the Heartland Trophy game as the quintessential Big Ten contest, one filled with tons of hard hits and aggression shared by two historic teams.

But this year, led by a dynamic quarterback and speedy scat-back, Iowa’s offense has veered away from the traditional, power run game.

For Macon Plewa, playing the Badgers is a perfect opportunity to get back to the hard-nosed style of play he and fellow fullback Adam Cox have relished since joining the Hawkeyes.

“It’s probably a fullback’s dream game,” Plewa joked. “Just a physical-hard-hitting game. Definitely, two teams that pride themselves on running the ball hard, so it’s definitely a dream game for a fullback.”

In seasons past, Mark Weisman was the featured back against the Badgers, getting the bulk of Iowa’s carries and shouldering a heavy load of blocking.

With bruiser LeShun Daniels Jr. nursing an ankle injury, the speedier, smaller Jordan Canzeri figures to get the bulk of Iowa’s carries.

Regardless of how much of a factor Iowa’s fullbacks are against the Badgers, one thing is for certain: The Hawkeyes will have to be willing to take a beating if they want to win Saturday.

“Opening up the Big Ten is a new kind of physicality for us,” Plewa said. “We always want to start fast, and set the tone early, and let them know we’re coming to hit you.”

Plewa’s and Cox’s overall importance to the offense is as vital as ever.

“They’re both tough guys, so it makes you as a running back more comfortable when you run behind guys like them,” Canzeri said. “Everybody thinks it’s always the running back when he makes a big play that creates a spark for the offense, but when our fullbacks are running at full speed and get a good hit in, that creates a spark, too.”

The Badgers have won their last three matchups against the Hawks, including two by 3 points or less.

As that statistic illustrates, it’s not always about landing the biggest punch.

Teams built for Big Ten success need to take a blow and fight back twice as hard. Through four games, Iowa has shown a ton of fight.