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Posted: 2:01 PM Oct 15, 2009
Hawkeyes Unbeaten Season On The Line At Wisconsin
A breakdown of unbeaten Iowa's game at Wisconsin this Saturday.
Reporter: The Associated Press |
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No. 11 Iowa (6-0, 2-0 Big Ten) at Wisconsin (5-1, 2-1),
Saturday, 11 a.m. CT, ESPN
Line: Wisconsin by 2½.
Series Record: Tied 41-41-2.
Last Meeting: 2008, Iowa 38-16.
What's at Stake
Iowa's unbeaten march to a Big Ten title faces its second major
road challenge at Camp Randall Stadium after a win three weeks ago
at Penn State. Wisconsin didn't make the hoped-for splash last week
at Ohio State. Last year, the Badgers fell apart after a loss to
the Buckeyes and don't want a repeat performance.
Key Matchup
Wisconsin OL vs. Iowa DL. The Badgers' offensive line this
season is good, but with three new starters it's not great and
allowed QB Scott Tolzien to be sacked six times at Ohio State.
Iowa's front four of Karl Klug, Christian Ballard, Broderick Binns
and Adrian Clayborn have all eight Hawkeyes sacks this year as well
as 16 QB hurries and five forced fumbles.
Players to Watch
Iowa: Iowa TE Tony Moeaki. Moeaki returned to the Hawkeyes
against Michigan after missing three games with an ankle injury and
made a huge impact. The 6-foot-4 senior caught six passes for 105
yards and two touchdowns.
Wisconsin: RB John Clay. Clay wants to come off the bench, but
he'll likely be thrust into the starter's role because of a
concussion to RB Zach Brown. Wisconsin's pipeline of RB talent
includes freshmen Montee Ball and Erik Smith, who may get bigger
roles.
Facts & Figures
The teams play for the Heartland Trophy, which started in 2004.
The trophy was designed and crafted by artist and former Iowa
football player Frank Strub and features a bull mounted on a walnut
base. ... Iowa has won 10 straight dating back to last season and
are 6-0 for the first time since 1985. ... Clay leads the Big Ten
with 106.8 yards rushing per game and seven TDs.


