Rankings aside, the No. 10 Badgers (2-1 Big Ten, 6-1 overall) might very well be facing their toughest challenge of the season when they square up against the No. 13 Iowa Hawkeyes (2-0, 6-1) Saturday in Iowa City. And while the nationally televised toppling of the nation's No. 1 team may have brought Wisconsin back into the BCS discussion, this weekend is once again make or break for the Badgers' Big Ten title hopes.
With both teams flashing a emphasis on power up the middle, the battle in the trenches will be crucial in determining Saturday's outcome.
""They're tough, they're physical, they're well-coached"" senior quarterback Scott Tolzien said. ""They almost take pride in the fact that they're not necessarily going to confuse you but they just play their schemes so well.""
While Iowa may present a simple approach, the noisy environment of Kinnick Stadium presents a complication that Wisconsin will have to deal with. As a result, the coaching staff has flooded Camp Randall Stadium with crowd noise in practice this week, trying to make the team comfortable with the hostility they expect to face in Iowa City.
""Any road game in the Big Ten is always tough,"" Tolzien added. ""The fans are always turning out at Big Ten games and they're passionate … It's a tough atmosphere, and that's what makes it fun.""
Although they passed the test of a physical Buckeye defense, the ""in your face"" Hawkeyes will once again test the Badger rushing attack.
""[Iowa's] front seven are really solid. They use their hands really well, they get off blocks real well,"" run game coordinator Bob Bostad said. ""They're not overly complicated, they're not trying to outsmart you, they're just trying to out-tough you.""
Much of the genius in the Iowa defense comes from its simplicity.
""The players know the scheme inside and out,"" head coach Bret Bielema noted. ""When teams start to have success against them, the players and coaches know how to correct it.""
Although sophomore Adam Robinson has continued the tradition of the Iowa run game, the matchup may come down to containing senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi and his favorite target, senior wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos. Last week, Iowa relied heavily on this duo, with Johnson-Koulianos' 70 yards and three touchdowns helping to get the Hawkeyes out of Ann Arbor, Mich. on top despite being out-gained by nearly 150 yards.
""I think their receivers are as deep as I've seen them,"" Bielema added. ""I think that's been one key to the production of their offense.""
While Iowa now has a deep threat to complement their traditional rushing attack, the Badger secondary comes in knowing that they can compete with the best.
""We've been going against good receivers all year,"" cornerback Antonio Fenelus said. ""They're just receivers. Don't get me wrong, they're really good, but we're gonna treat them like any other receiver.""
The battle for the Heartland Trophy is a highlight on the schedule any year. But with the division split leaving Wisconsin without Iowa on the schedule through the 2012 season, this year's matchup takes on a unique feel.
The opportunity to keep the trophy for three years is certainly a motivator, but the far more important prize at stake on Saturday is a chance at the Big Ten title.
