Zach Miller, Lead Analyst: “I see this as a redemption week for Wisconsin.

MADISON – Our Wisconsin football coverage team predicts the outcome of the Badgers’ Week 7 game against Iowa on Saturday, Oct. 11, at Camp Randall Stadium. The Badgers are a 3-point underdog.

 

Give Iowa the edge in special teams and defense. The offense is a toss up between the Hawkeyes’ 113th-ranked unit and the Badgers’, which is 124th nationally. On paper, Iowa should win, but this is a rivalry game, Wisconsin is at home and has something to prove. Wisconsin 20, Iowa 16.

Our Wisconsin Football Coverage Team Predicts the Outcome of the Badgers’ Week 7 Game Against Iowa on Saturday

As the Wisconsin Badgers prepare to clash with the Iowa Hawkeyes this Saturday, the atmosphere around Madison feels electric. It’s not just another Big Ten matchup — it’s a rivalry built on grit, defense, and Midwest pride. With both teams entering Week 7 looking to solidify their place in the Big Ten West race, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The question remains: can Wisconsin’s offense finally click against one of the nation’s most disciplined defenses, or will Iowa’s relentless pressure and field-position mastery keep the Hawkeyes on top once again?

Our Wisconsin football coverage team breaks down what to expect — from key matchups to final score predictions — as these two conference foes face off in what promises to be a classic.

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The Storyline: Control of the West and Redemption

This game is more than a midseason checkpoint. For Wisconsin, it’s a chance at redemption after a shaky start to the 2025 campaign. Following an inconsistent opening month — including a tough road loss and an offense that’s still finding rhythm under Luke Fickell’s system — the Badgers are hungry to prove they belong in the upper tier of the Big Ten. Iowa, on the other hand, has been its usual self: methodical, tough on defense, and opportunistic on special teams. The Hawkeyes might not wow anyone with offensive fireworks, but they win games by forcing mistakes and dictating pace.

Last season’s meeting went Iowa’s way, a bruising 15-6 slugfest that reminded everyone why these teams’ battles are among the most physical in college football. This year, Wisconsin believes it’s better equipped to handle that kind of fight — but it will require cleaner execution, especially from quarterback Tanner Mordecai and the offensive line.

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Key Matchups to Watch

1. Wisconsin Offensive Line vs. Iowa Front Seven

This battle might decide the entire game. Wisconsin’s offensive line has shown flashes of dominance but has also been inconsistent in pass protection and short-yardage situations. Iowa’s front seven, led by linebacker Jay Higgins and defensive tackle Yahya Black, thrives on disrupting rhythm and forcing second-and-long scenarios. If the Badgers can’t establish their trademark running game early, it could be a long afternoon.

Running back Braelon Allen will be the X-factor. His physical style and ability to wear down defenders are exactly what Wisconsin needs to keep Iowa honest. But against this Hawkeye defense, every yard will be earned the hard way.

2. Tanner Mordecai vs. Iowa’s Secondary

Iowa’s defense under Phil Parker continues to be elite, particularly in the secondary. The Hawkeyes are known for baiting quarterbacks into mistakes, and Mordecai must avoid forcing throws into tight coverage. With star cornerback Cooper DeJean returning to form, Wisconsin’s passing attack must be calculated — quick slants, screens, and play-action passes to neutralize Iowa’s pressure will be crucial.

If Mordecai can hit a few deep throws to stretch the defense — perhaps connecting with wideout Will Pauling or Skyler Bell — Wisconsin could finally break the cycle of low-scoring affairs.

3. Turnovers and Special Teams

Every Wisconsin-Iowa game seems to feature a momentum-swinging special teams play. Whether it’s a blocked punt, a muffed kick, or a defensive touchdown, these teams thrive on chaos. Iowa’s Tory Taylor remains one of the best punters in the nation, routinely flipping field position and pinning opponents deep.

For Wisconsin, maintaining discipline on special teams is non-negotiable. One miscue could be the difference between victory and heartbreak.

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What Each Team Needs to Do

For Wisconsin:

Establish Braelon Allen early and sustain drives to control tempo.

Protect Mordecai — sacks and negative plays will kill rhythm against Iowa.

Limit turnovers. The Hawkeyes capitalize on every mistake.

Stay aggressive in play-calling — balance the run with creative passing looks.

For Iowa:

Stick to the defensive game plan — contain Allen and force Mordecai into third-and-long.

Win the field-position battle with special teams.

Keep the offense efficient — quarterback Cade McNamara (or his replacement, depending on health) must avoid unnecessary risks.

Capitalize on red-zone opportunities, even if it means settling for field goals.

 

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The Intangibles

This game will be played at Camp Randall Stadium, a major advantage for Wisconsin. The “Jump Around” crowd will be loud, and momentum swings tend to hit harder in Madison. Weather could also play a role — with mid-October conditions expected to be cool and possibly windy, both teams will lean on their ground games.

Luke Fickell’s squad has shown flashes of resilience, especially at home, but they’ve also struggled to finish drives. Iowa, conversely, thrives in ugly games; they’re comfortable winning 17-10 or even 13-9. For Wisconsin to win, it must force Iowa out of its comfort zone — an early lead could change everything.

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Expert Predictions

📣 Zach Miller, Lead Analyst:
“I see this as a redemption week for Wisconsin. They’ve been inconsistent, but this offense has the potential to explode once it stops overthinking. The defense has held strong all season. If Mordecai avoids turnovers and Allen gets going, the Badgers can finally get over the Iowa hump.”
Prediction: Wisconsin 23, Iowa 17

📣 Laura Jensen, Beat Reporter:
“Iowa’s defense is just too reliable. Until Wisconsin proves it can move the ball consistently against elite defenses, I can’t pick them. Iowa will do what Iowa does — win ugly and frustrate you in the process.”
Prediction: Iowa 16, Wisconsin 13

📣 Ryan Kline, Sideline Correspondent:
“This one’s going to be decided by turnovers. Both teams will play tough, but I think Wisconsin’s home crowd gives them the slight edge late. Expect a fourth-quarter stop to seal it.”
Prediction: Wisconsin 20, Iowa 14

📣 Overall Staff Consensus:
It’s nearly split — but slightly leaning toward Wisconsin. The Badgers’ defense matches up well against Iowa’s limited offense, and Camp Randall could provide the emotional push they need. Still, no one expects fireworks; this will be a game defined by grit, patience, and field position.

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Final Thoughts

Expect a classic Big Ten showdown — low scoring, physical, and full of momentum swings. Both teams pride themselves on toughness and discipline, and both will fight until the final whistle.

If Wisconsin can execute cleanly and avoid turnovers, this could be the week they finally take control of the Big Ten West race. But if Iowa’s defense forces mistakes early, the Hawkeyes’ methodical style could once again frustrate the Badgers into submission.

Projected Final Score: Wisconsin 20, Iowa 16
Winner: Wisconsin Badgers

A win here could reignite Wisconsin’s confidence — and reshape the entire Big Ten West picture.