The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2) welcome the No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers (5-2) to Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 31, for a noon ET kickoff. The game marks the 100th meeting between the programs, with the Heartland Trophy awarded to the winner. Iowa has won the last four matchups, including a 37-0 victory last season.
Betting Odds
Iowa enters as a 2.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 36.5 points. The money line lists Wisconsin at +114 and Iowa at -135.
Wisconsin's Defensive Statement
Wisconsin rebounded from a 17-7 loss at UCLA with a 24-7 upset of No. 16 USC. The Badgers held the Trojans to negative rushing yardage, recorded five sacks, and intercepted two passes in the first quarter. Quarterback Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 attempts with a touchdown to Chris Brooks Jr., while Abu Sama III added 71 rushing yards. Wisconsin's offense managed only 200 total yards, relying heavily on its defense.
Iowa's Close Loss at Minnesota
Iowa fell 13-10 at Minnesota on a field goal as time expired after tying the game with 3:46 remaining on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee. Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski split quarterback duties, combining for 198 passing yards and three interceptions. The Hawkeyes outgained Minnesota 288-209 but committed four turnovers. Iowa's defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, limiting Minnesota to 72 rushing yards.
Prediction and Pick
SportsLine projects a 25-24 Wisconsin victory, aligning with the moneyline selection. Wisconsin has not beaten Iowa since 2021, but the Badgers' defense has shown it can dominate, holding USC to seven points after the Trojans averaged 36.4 per game. Iowa's defense allows just 82.9 rushing yards per game, yet the Hawkeyes' offense has struggled with turnovers. The betting preview favors Wisconsin to win outright at +114.
