How to watch Wisconsin vs. Iowa 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more

It’s a pivotal game for both teams, as there’s significant bowl jockeying to be done at this point, and even a single unexpected loss can dramatically alter both teams’ postseason hopes (Wisconsin for an at-large BCS bid, Iowa for a bowl at all). Of course, an Iowa loss isn’t exactly unexpected here, but a win changes the Hawkeyes’ whole situation dramatically and could put the Hawkeyes atop the second tier of bowl teams in the Big Ten.

Rankings and records: Wisconsin, ranked No. 24 entering the weekend, is 5-2 (3-1) on the season, while Iowa is 5-3 (2-2). The all-time series is tied at 42-42-2, with Wisconsin winning the last matchup, a 31-30 thriller in 2010.

Vegas: Wisconsin is currently favored by 9.5 points, per OddsShark.

Weather: It’s not exactly balmy in the Big Ten in November; the temperature will be in the upper 40s for the duration of the game with a stiff northwest breeze.

Wisconsin tailback Melvin Gordon III is no longer a serious Heisman contender, but he’s still arguably the most dangerous weapon in the Big Ten, capable of busting off a big run every time he touches the ball. Gordon’s yards per carry are down (down!) to 9.5 yards per carry, and the fact that he remains paired with James White, who rips off over 6 yards per carry on his own like it’s no big deal should be terrifying for the rest of the Big Ten.

As for defense, Wisconsin LB Chris Borland is on a very short list for Big Ten defensive player of the year. He’s not a physical freak of nature by any stretch of the imagination, but he’s one of the toughest, hardest-nosed players in the entire nation, and he’s got phenomenal production to show for it. Borland was hobbled by a hamstring injury against Illinois and might not have been able to play if the Iowa game were last week (Wisconsin was on a bye). He will be a game-time decision this week.

A win by Iowa would not only get the Hawkeyes bowl-eligible (a far cry from their slumping 4-8 season last year), it would technically keep them in the Big Ten title race. Michigan State holds a one-game lead and the tiebreaker with Iowa with four games to play -- these are not realistic dreams -- but staying mathematically alive as long as possible never hurt anyone. Plus at 6-3 with at least one winnable game to go (@Purdue), Iowa can start thinking about middle-of-the-road bowls instead of Christmas in Houston.

For Wisconsin, it’s a matter of closing strong, as a big finish puts the Badgers firmly in the BCS at-large discussion. Moreover, it sets Wisconsin on pace for double-digit wins, which should impress voters enough to get the Badgers back near the Top 10 where, frankly, they’re closer to belonging than at the outskirts of the Top 25.

TV: This game will be on ABC for most of the country, and ESPN2 for everyone else, at 12:00 ET, 11:00 CT (local for both teams).

Radio: You can listen to the game on WTSO AM 1070 in Madison or elsewhere on the Badger Radio Network. In Iowa City, tune into KXIC AM 800. Elsewhere, find your Hawkeye Sports Network affiliate.

Online streaming: As with all ESPN-family games, this game will be available on ESPN3.com.

For more on Iowa, read Black Heart Gold Pants, and Wisconsin fans should check out Bucky’s Fifth Quarter. For all things Big Ten, check out Off Tackle Empire.

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