The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2) will host the No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers (5-2) on Saturday, October 31, with kickoff scheduled for noon Eastern Time at Kinnick Stadium. Wisconsin enters the matchup after a 24-7 victory over No. 16 USC, while Iowa aims to rebound from a 13-10 loss at Minnesota.
Betting Odds and Series History
Iowa opens 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. Saturday's 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. In Big Ten play, Wisconsin is 3-1 while Iowa stands at 2-2.
Wisconsin's Defensive Statement
The Badgers' response to a 17-7 loss at UCLA was emphatic against USC. Wisconsin held the Trojans to negative rushing yardage and recorded five sacks. Bryce West and Cairo Skanes each intercepted a pass in the first quarter. Quarterback Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 attempts for a touchdown to Chris Brooks Jr., and running back Abu Sama III gained 71 yards on the ground. Wisconsin's offense managed only 200 total yards, relying heavily on its defense.
Iowa's Offensive Struggles at Minnesota
Iowa tied the game against Minnesota on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee with 3:46 remaining, but lost on a field goal as time expired. Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski split quarterback duties, combining for 198 passing yards and three interceptions. Despite outgaining Minnesota 288-209, Iowa committed four turnovers. The Hawkeyes' defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, holding Minnesota to 72 rushing yards. Iowa allows just 82.9 rushing yards per game this season.
Prediction and Outlook
Wisconsin is listed at +114 to win outright. The Badgers have not beaten Iowa since 2021, but their defense presents a strong case after limiting USC to seven points. Wisconsin also won at Penn State in September, demonstrating road resilience. Iowa's offense has been turnover-prone, with three interceptions against Minnesota, which could provide Wisconsin with short fields. SportsLine projects a 25-24 Wisconsin victory, aligning with the moneyline selection.
