IOWA CITY, IOWA—Wisconsin's 24-21 win over the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday was full of surprise, suspense and individual records—all leading to a Badger victory.
The Badgers (7-1 Big Ten, 10-1 overall) were finally able to beat the Hawkeyes (2-4, 6-5), breaking a four-game losing streak versus the Hawkeyes and winning in Iowa City for the first time since 2000.
This season's matchup painted a very different picture, with the Badgers having locked up at least third place in the Big Ten, and Iowa trying to rebound after losing four of their last six games. The Badgers also had a new man behind center, with junior quarterback Tyler Donovan taking over the play-calling duties while senior quarterback John Stocco recovers from a right shoulder injury.
Donovan took advantage of the opportunity, and had a career game in his first start. Donovan threw for 228 yards on 17-of-24 passes. He also used his legs, adding 61 yards on 13 rushing attempts. Head coach Bret Bielema praised Donovan and his performance after the game.
""I don't think you can say enough about a guy starting his first game, the season Big Ten finale in a hostile environment,"" Bielema said. ""The plays that he was able to come up with today were amazing and gratifying to watch as a coach.""
Donovan was able to control the game, and keep the Badgers on the field when necessary. He led the Badgers on a 97 yard touchdown drive, capped off with a one-yard run by redshirt freshman running back P.J. Hill. The drive encompassed over seven minutes of game clock, and extended the Badger lead, one they would not relinquish.
The Badgers were also able to exploit weaknesses in Iowa's secondary. Junior wide receiver Luke Swan had a career game, with four catches for 113 yards and a touchdown. Donovan and Swan connected early and often, with passes of 42 and 48 yards. Swan credited play-calling for his success.
""Every game you come in and try to make as many plays as you can,"" Swan said. ""You know there are certain plays within the offense that give you the opportunity to make plays and those plays happen to have been called and I was able to make them happen.""
While Donovan and Swan were the highlights of the game, the underlying heroes were the Badger seniors. They finally beat Iowa and gained control of the Hartland Trophy for the first time. The ""selfless seniors,"" as labeled by Bielema, have led by example this season and have sacrificed personal glory or achievement in order to ensure team victory.
""I think all of us are willing to do anything to get a win and help anyone out,"" senior linebacker Mark Zalewski said. ""Whatever our role is out there just do that and do it well and no matter who makes a play or who does what we are just happy with that final outcome.""
Two other seniors reside in the Badger secondary, where senior safeties Joe Stellmacher and Roderick Rogers both had excellent performances.
Rogers intercepted a pass from Iowa quarterback Drew Tate and returned it 28 yards to set up the first touchdown of the game. Stellmacher was also active, with five tackles and a hellacious hit on Iowa tight end Scott Chandler. Stellmacher's hit came late in the fourth quarter and shut down almost any chances of an Iowa comeback.
""We were just in a two-man defense; me and Zach [Hampton] were the two high safeties and were just reading the quarterback,"" Stellmacher said. ""I saw [Drew Tate] staring down the tight end and made a break on the ball, finally got a big hit I guess.""
Wisconsin also put a big hit in the record books. By winning Saturday's game, head coach Bret Bielema became the first head coach in the Big Ten to win ten games in his rookie season. Bielema graduated from and coached for Iowa, which made Saturday's win all the more special.
""This is an environment that I grew up in and its fun to come back and visit,"" Bielema said. ""It is also great to walk off of that field knowing that you have a [win].""
