Wisconsin football."" Those were the two words, according to head coach Bret Bielema, that summed up the game, especially a critical fourth quarter that helped UW secure a 17-13 triumph over Iowa in front of an electric Camp Randall crowd Saturday night.
""It was a knock-down, drag-out, four-quarter game, and we took advantage of our opportunities,"" Bielema said.
The Badgers pushed the ball down the field in an impressive display of smash-mouth football during the final period, attempting a pass on just one play and holding the ball for over 11 minutes, racking up 101 yards on 21 carries. The Badgers finished with 166 yards on the ground despite rushing for just 23 yards in the first half.
UW's long string of ball control began late in the third quarter after the Badgers began with good field position following a partially blocked punt by senior captain Ben Strickland. Fueled by a crucial third-down holding penalty on Iowa safety Harold Dalton, the Badgers marched right down the field for an 11-play, 68-yard drive capped by a two-yard plunge by sophomore tailback P.J. Hill. The sophomore compiled 10 carries for 43 yards on the drive, giving the Badgers a 14-10 lead that would not be relinquished.
""I think this team, we want to make our identity that we come alive when we're supposed to, and be on point when we really need to,"" senior wide receiver Luke Swan said. ""The fourth quarter was a great example of that, putting together that drive.""
Hill was especially impressive, finishing the game with 113 yards and a touchdown. Last season's Big Ten Freshman of the Year grinded out tough yard after tough yard, showing his top-notch conditioning and an ability to run hard for a complete game.
""The one thing that P.J. has kind of prided himself on is the way he's redesigned his body, being able to play longer, four-quarter games,"" Bielema said. ""He's always asking for the ball near the end of the game, and we're going to give it to him.""
Clinging to a 14-13 lead late in the quarter, backup sophomore tailback Lance Smith entered the game and provided a huge boost for the Badgers.
Two plays after quarterback Tyler Donovan dove for a huge first down on third-and-six, Smith was handed the ball at the UW 42-yard line. Smith, following fullback Chris Pressley's lead blocking, found the outside on the left side and blazed down the sideline to the Hawkeyes' 28-yard line. His 30-yard run set up senior kicker Taylor Mehlhaff's field goal to give UW a 17-13 lead with just over two minutes remaining in the game.
""A huge part of that success was when Lance Smith got in there,"" Bielema said. ""He changed the game with his speed, bouncing around the end to come up with a huge play, a big momentum changer to be able to put that in our position.""
