Iowa Football: The Hawkeyes dominate the Big Ten over Wisconsin and have the best class report card.
The Iowa Hawkeyes made a statement in addition to defeating Wisconsin. In a rivalry that has long been based on pride, grit, and defense, Iowa gave a performance that made everyone remember why they have become the epitome of Big Ten consistency. Iowa football was disciplined, physical, and mercilessly effective in Saturday’s 27–10 victory over the Badgers.
For head coach Kirk Ferentz, it was yet another example of how to accomplish more with less. Iowa continues to win the old-fashioned way—toughness in the trenches and near-perfect execution—while other programs chase five-star recruits and spread offenses. Once again, that formula performed almost flawlessly against Wisconsin. Let’s examine the report card from a win that solidifies the Hawkeyes’ lead in the Big Ten West.
Offense: B+ Despite being the team’s biggest uncertainty all season, the Hawkeye offense managed to find just enough rhythm against Wisconsin to keep the chains moving. With no turnovers, timely throws, and astute decision-making, quarterback Cade McNamara had his cleanest game of the season. More significantly, he managed the pace and finished 16-of-23 for 188 yards and a touchdown.
In typical Iowa fashion, Kaleb Johnson broke tackles, ate up clock, and powered the running game with 112 hard-fought yards. Also deserving of praise is the offensive line, which at last appeared unified following some early-season difficulties. No, it wasn’t a particularly spectacular performance, but it wasn’t necessary in a Big Ten slugfest. Wisconsin was just outperformed by Iowa.
Defense: A+ It’s difficult to identify any shortcomings in this. Wisconsin was held to just 10 points and less than 250 total yards by Phil Parker’s defense, which was its usual stifling self. Nothing worked despite the Badgers’ attempts at screens, draws, and tempo. The Wisconsin offensive line suffered greatly as a result of Iowa’s front seven clogging lanes. With 11 tackles and a sack, linebacker Jay Higgins was everywhere.
As always, cornerback Cooper DeJean made a huge impact in the second quarter by grabbing an interception that totally changed the tide of the game. This defense demoralizes opponents in addition to stopping them. Wisconsin appeared to have run out of ideas by the third quarter.
Special Teams: Iowa prioritizes special teams more than most teams in the country, and it has paid off once more. Drew Stevens, the kicker, made both of his field goals, including a 48-yarder that gave the Hawkeyes some early breathing room. Tory Taylor, the punter, was his usual outstanding self, flipping the field several times and pinning Wisconsin deep. Highlight reels are essentially an art form in Iowa City, even though special teams may not produce them.
Mentoring: A The game plan is largely the work of Kirk Ferentz and his team. Iowa maintained composure, relied heavily on defense, and controlled the pace of the game from beginning to end. Although Ferentz’s characteristic stoicism effectively conceals it, this victory was significant and proves that Iowa is still the best in the Big Ten West until proven otherwise.
Final Score: A In addition to solidifying its hold on the division, Iowa’s victory warned the other Big Ten teams to undervalue them at their own peril. They will dominate the line of scrimmage, win the turnover battle, and grind you down even if they don’t light up the scoreboard. The Hawkeyes’ football philosophy ultimately focuses on scoreboard performance rather than fashion points. Iowa is at the top of the class once.
