Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Live score updates, highlights, analysis

MADISON, Wis. — Iowa football seems to be running, albeit with a limp, closer to Indianapolis.

The keyword in that sentence is “running.“

The Hawkeyes picked up 200 rushing yards en route to a 15-6 win over Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) that gives Iowa (6-1, 3-1) an early edge in the race for the Big Ten West title.

The Badgers had a chance to take the lead in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, but what could have been game-winning drive ended with a Braedyn Locke fumble. Aaron Graves forced the fumble, and Jay Higgins recovered it.

Wisconsin never had the lead — a result of Iowa’s as-usual stout defensive performance and its success running the ball.

After a few empty drives in the first quarter, Iowa’s Leshon Williams sprinted to an 82-yard rushing touchdown in the second quarter as he gave the Hawkeyes a 7-0 lead. It was Iowa’s longest play of the season and longest rushing touchdown of the Kirk Ferentz era.

Iowa padded its lead in the fourth quarter with a 48-yard Drew Stevens field goal and a safety forced by a Yahya Black sack in the end zone. Stevens hit another 40-yard field goal with 1:55 remaining to remove any doubt.

— John Steppe