Iowa Defensive Preview
Wisconsin's offense enters this week's matchup against Iowa at a crossroads. Entering the game with a 4-1 record, it has displayed flashes of offensive brilliance, offering a glimpse of the potential residing in the Dairy Raid offense. Credit Phil Longo for letting the defenses state its own vulnerabilities while using the limitations he has on the roster to build an offense that even with it's shortcomings is ahead of pace of last season. But this week, they face their sternest test yet as the Hawkeyes descend upon Madison with their aggressive and relentless defense.
Iowa's offense, to put it lightly, isn't setting the world on fire. The "Drive for 325" campaign is the highlight an otherwise unremarkable offensive performance. What truly shines for the Hawkeyes is their defense, a formidable unit that's as tenacious as a pack of junkyard dogs. Their roster includes ball hawks who epitomize physical, fundamental football, often serving as a stepping stone to NFL careers.
The numbers give us a better sense of the Hawkeyes' defensive prowess. They are in the top 20 nationally in points allowed at just over 16 points per game. On the ground, they've been miserly, allowing just 3.6 yards per rushing attempt and 131.2 rushing yards per game. As for the Hawkeyes pass defense they are 48th in the nation giving up a total of 1,160 passing yards on a 59.0% completion rate. All in all they are top 30 defense that will be the toughest defense the Badgers have faced this year and maybe the toughest all season save Ohio State.
The defense is lead by the dynamic cornerback Cooper DeJean. Not only is he a skilled corner, but he's also a special teams ace as one of the best punt returners in the country.
The stage is set for an intriguing showdown. Wisconsin's high-potential offense will clash with Iowa's fundamentally sound defense that can either be the coming out party we has Badger fans have been waiting for all season or a blueprint for how to shut does down for the rest of the year.