Iowa football vs. Wisconsin: Live score updates, highlights, analysis (Nov. 2, 2024)

IOWA CITY — The 72-pound brass bull that the Iowa football team reclaimed on a rainy November night at Kinnick Stadium was a fitting prize for the Hawkeyes in a game where they were about as unstoppable as a charging bull.

The Hawkeyes (6-3, 4-2) dominated their border-state rival Wisconsin (5-4, 3-3) at the line of scrimmage and elsewhere in a 42-10 Heartland Trophy blowout.

Iowa star Kaleb Johnson, working behind an experienced (and healthier) offensive line, rushed for 135 yards while averaging 5.6 per carry. He had three rushing touchdowns — his 17th, 18th and 19th of the season.

The Hawkeyes as a whole finished with 329 rushing yards, including 152 before halftime. Johnson was far from the only running back to find open space against Wisconsin’s defense. Kamari Moulton had 30 and 18-yard carries, and Jaziun Patterson had a 16-yard carry and a 4-yard touchdown run.

Quarterback Brendan Sullivan, making his first start as a Hawkeye, was 7-of-10 for 93 yards with a touchdown pass to former Northwestern teammate Jacob Gill. The bulk of his passing yards came on a 52-yard completion to tight end Zach Ortwerth — Iowa’s longest passing play of the season.

Sullivan also made a notable impact on the ground, as he had 58 rushing yards on nine attempts. He had a rushing touchdown on a well-executed quarterback sneak in the second quarter.

Iowa’s dominance, particularly on the ground, was a clear contrast from Wisconsin’s mere 124 rushing yards on 28 attempts. Iowa held Wisconsin’s No. 1 running back Tawee Walker to 52 yards — well below his season average of 89 before Saturday.

The Badgers were not any better in the air, as Braedyn Locke went 15-for-29 with two interceptions. Iowa cornerback Deshaun Lee’s pick was the first of his college career and set up an Iowa touchdown drive.

Iowa linebacker Nick Jackson had the other interception, which he initially deflected and kicked. It then went off teammate Brian Allen before landing in Jackson’s arms for an interception. Like Lee’s pick, Jackson’s set up an Iowa touchdown drive.

The complementary football — with Iowa’s defense forcing turnovers and the offense taking advantage — helped the Hawkeyes put up 40-plus points for the third time in the last four games.

The Hawkeyes have now won three consecutive Heartland Trophy games — Iowa’s longest streak against Wisconsin since it won four straight from 2002-05.

— John Steppe