Is it possible for the Big Ten West title to be decided in the first week of conference play? It would be premature to say the title is decided now, but we might look back in November and say the Iowa-Wisconsin game was the deciding factor in the division race.
How to watch Iowa vs. Wisconsin on TV or online, plus 3 things to know
A huge game in the Big Ten West comes in the first week of conference season.
Wisconsin always figured to be in the center of the division title race, since the Badgers have been the class of the division in recent years. However, the Badgers aren’t exactly nationally elite this year, getting smoked by Alabama in their only true test of the season. Moreover, this isn’t vintage Wisconsin, as the running game has struggled, and starting running back Corey Clement is out 4-6 weeks. The good news? Joel Stave looks better at quarterback and running back Taiwan Deal looks like an adequate replacement for Clement.
This week, the Badgers face a tough test from an Iowa team that’s better than almost anyone anticipated. The Hawkeyes are 4-0 for the first time since 2009 — coincidentally, that’s the last year these teams met in Madison, when Iowa won, 20-10 — and they have a new look on offense. C.J. Beathard took over at quarterback this year and has turned into one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten, and he’ll lead an Iowa offense that scored 62 points last week — its most since 2002.
How to watch, stream and listen
TV: Noon ET, ESPN
Online streaming: WatchESPN
Spread: Wisconsin is favored by 8 points.
Make friends: Get to SB Nation’s team blog chats for this game at Black Heart Gold Pants for Iowa fans and Bucky’s 5th Quarter for Wisconsin fans.
Three big things to know
1. Is Taiwan Deal THE REAL DEAL!? (Sorry). Iowa has a good run defense that’s most effective against pro-style teams like Wisconsin. Stave has been better this year, but this game will hinge on Deal. If he can’t be productive, the Badgers are going to have a tough time keeping up with Iowa.
2. Can the Iowa offense keep it up? The unit has exploded this year behind Beathard. If Beathard is as productive as he’s been all season, the Hawkeyes will have a chance to pull the upset.
3. As mentioned above, is this the most important game in the Big Ten West this year? It’s too early to tell for sure, but the winner will have a leg up on everyone else.
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