The Badgers have a tough challenge in Week 10 against a big rival.
The Iowa Hawkeyes come into this primetime game after winning big in a 40-14 victory over the Northwestern Wildcats at home. The Hawkeyes didn’t have the best start to the season, but managed to string together some wins down the stretch to get to a record of 5-3.
There’s no doubt that Wisconsin can win this rivalry game, but they need to limit some of Iowa’s playmakers and key players.
Here are the three Iowa Hawkeyes to watch in this game.
Kaleb Johnson
Kaleb Johnson isn’t just good. He’s Heisman caliber. There’s a lot of talk about Ashton Jeanty for Heisman, and rightfully so. He’s been incredible. If Iowa was at all a contender for the College Football Playoff, then there is no doubt in my mind that Kaleb Johnson would be in that Heisman mix with players like Jeanty, Travis Hunter, and Cam Ward.
Johnson leads the Big Ten in both rushing yards and touchdowns, by a large margin. He’s been the best player in the Big Ten this season and looks to continue his dominance at home against rival Wisconsin.
He’s a dynamic rusher who can explode at any second on any carry. Wisconsin linebackers and safeties need to not overcommit to his runs and make sure to limit him as much as they possibly can. Iowa’s offense has been much improved this season, all thanks to Kaleb Johnson.
Jay Higgins
Linebacker Jay Higgins is having a pretty incredible and under-the-radar season for the Hawkeyes. Higgins leads the team in both interceptions and forced fumbles. We’ve seen a lot of Braedyn Locke’s passes be tipped by opposing defenses, so expect Higgins to try and get his hand on a majority of Wisconsin’s passes in this game.
Higgins is also a threat in the running game. Wisconsin’s offense has been powered by their running backs, so players like Tawee Walker and Darrion Dupree need to control the ball on carries up the middle.
Higgins is a threat in both facets of the game, so Wisconsin needs to plan their play calling around him and make sure he can’t wreak havoc on this offense.
Aaron Graves
Defensive lineman Aaron Graves has been a nightmare for opposing offensive lines. Because of this, his matchup against Wisconsin’s offensive line will be very entertaining. Wisconsin’s offensive line has been incredible both in run and passing plays this season and has allowed very few sacks on Braedyn Locke.
Aaron Graves is going to try to change that by garnering pressure and making plays both on Locke and on the running backs to limit their success.
Wisconsin struggled against Penn State’s defensive front last week, so they will need to improve if they want to pull out the win in Iowa City.