Game poses 'big challenge' for Hawkeye and Badgers

IOWA CITY - One of the casualties of the Big Ten's upcoming divisional format is the annual matchup between Iowa and Wisconsin, two of the closest rivals in the country.

Before the Hawkeyes or Badgers pack away the Heartland Trophy for the next few years, they'll meet on Saturday with ramifications much more pressing than hardware.

No. 10 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) will be looking for a signature road win and wants to show the nation that last week's 31-18 upset of then-No. 1 Ohio State wasn't a fluke.

For No. 13 Iowa (5-1, 2-0), it's the first of three home games against the league's other top contenders. Michigan State and the Buckeyes follow the Badgers, and the road to the conference title goes through Kinnick Stadium.

"I like challenges, and word on the street is it's a big challenge," Wisconsin defensive end J.J. Watt said.

It usually is when the old-school Badgers and Hawkeyes knock heads.

THE GAME

No. 10 Wisconsin (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) at No. 13 Iowa (5-1, 2-0), 3:30 p.m. (ABC)

Line: Iowa by 5½.

Series Record: Iowa leads 42-41-4.

Last Meeting: 2009, Iowa 20-10.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

Even with its win over then-No. 1 Ohio State last week, Wisconsin needs a victory over the Hawkeyes to stay in thick of the Rose Bowl race. A loss would drop the Badgers two games behind Iowa in the loss column and give the tiebreaker to the Hawkeyes. An Iowa victory, combined with losses by Michigan State and Purdue, would leave the Hawkeyes alone in the first place.

KEY MATCHUP

Wisconsin's offensive line vs. Iowa's defensive line. This game could be determined by which unit can take control of the line of scrimmage. Both are among the nation's best, and Iowa will likely try to attack the right side of Wisconsin's offensive line with star tackle Gabe Carimi and John Moffitt protecting QB Scott Tolzien from the left.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Wisconsin: RB John Clay. Iowa's a little thin at linebacker these days. If the 255-pound Clay can get past the Hawkeyes' imposing defensive line, he should have plenty of chances to break some tackles and reel off some big runs.

Iowa: WR Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. Ricky Stanzi threw three touchdown passes to Johnson-Koulianos last week, leaving him atop Iowa's list of career receiving yardage. In a game that figures to be close, DJK's playmaking ability could provide the difference for the Hawkeyes.

FACTS & FIGURES

Iowa has won six of the last eight meetings, including a 38-16 blowout in Iowa City two years ago. ... Clay and James White have combined for 1,356 yards rushing, the best of any RB tandem in the nation, but the Hawkeyes are sixth nationally in rushing defense. ... Wisconsin has scored TDs on its last 23 trips inside the red zone, not counting a pair of late possessions where the Badgers took a knee. ... Stanzi has thrown at least one TD pass in his last 15 starts.