As bad as the Penn State game looked, the Badger defense actually did a good job of giving the offense at least a chance to get back in the game in the second half. The problem, however, is that they are still giving up massive amounts of yardage and points, ranking 102nd in the nation in total defense. Iowa's Albert Young ranks 11th in the nation in rushing, and while Drew Tate might not be having the season everyone expected, he is still one of the best quarterbacks in the conference. The cornerback situation for the Badgers has been a mess all year and managed to get worse last week. That should allow Tate to pass early and open up the running game for Young, or vice versa. Either way, Iowa will get points on the scoreboard.
Advantage: Iowa
Despite the struggles last week against Penn State, particularly with the offensive line, John Stocco and Brian Calhoun should be able to put up decent numbers against Iowa's defense. The Hawkeyes' defense has been inconsistent all year, and last week's collapse against Northwestern is a great example of that. They boast two of the best linebackers in the Big Ten with Chad Greenway and Abdul Hodge, but they can not do it all on their own. The Badgers still have the No. 1 ranked offense in the conference with both a great passing and running game. The Iowa defensive line and secondary will need to step up if they have any hopes of slowing down the Badger attack.
Advantage: Wisconsin
This has been the one constant for the Badgers all year long. Ken DeBauche has proven he is one of the best punters in the nation, and Brandon Williams has the Badgers ranking 8th in the nation in punt returns. The field position battle has been beneficial in every game and while Iowa has decent special teams, ranking 15th in punt returns and 21st in the net punting, expect the Badgers to control the field most of the game. This could turn out to be the difference in the game.
Advantage: Wisconsin
Coaching has never meant as much as it will in this game. It is Barry Alvarez's last game at Camp Randall after 16 years as head coach. The players, fans and hopefully even referees will be behind Barry in his last home game. Kirk Ferentz was being looked at by the NFL last season, but now has lost control of a team that was supposed to compete for a BCS berth. It is the second year where the Heartland Trophy will be given out in a series where the two teams are 39-39-2 against each other. Wisconsin has won 11 straight games at Camp Randall, and do not think for a second that that streak will be broken in Barry's last game.
Advantage: Wisconsin
