Wisconsin has re-entered the AP Top 25 for the first time since 2023, buoyed by a 24-7 victory over then-No. 16 Southern California that stands as arguably the best performance of coach Luke Fickell’s four-year tenure. The 25th-ranked Badgers (5-2, 3-1 Big Ten) now possess a realistic path to matching their combined win total from the previous two seasons, yet their immediate focus remains on a formidable road challenge. The Badgers travel to Iowa Saturday to face the Hawkeyes (5-2, 2-2), a matchup that has been overwhelmingly unfavorable for Wisconsin in recent years.
Wisconsin seeks to break a four-year losing streak against Iowa after a dominant win over USC
The statistical disparity in this rivalry is stark, with Iowa defeating Wisconsin in each of the last four seasons by a combined margin of 118-26. Fickell acknowledged the difficulty of the task ahead, noting that “there’s a lot of things that haven’t gone well for us in this rivalry game.” He emphasized the need for a significant tactical shift, stating, “It’s not going to be easy. I don’t know if there’s a tougher place to play in the country.” The Badgers must overcome a recent history of lopsided defeats, including a 37-0 loss at home last year and a 42-10 defeat in Iowa two seasons prior.
Wisconsin’s preparation for this contest is driven by a desire to erase the memory of those past embarrassments. Following the 42-10 loss at Iowa two years ago, where the Badgers allowed 329 rushing yards, the team committed to performing 42 pushups at the end of every practice that spring as a mental reminder of their shortcomings. As the Badgers aim to reverse this trend, the weight of recent history looms large, but their current momentum suggests they are ready to challenge the Hawkeyes on their home turf.
Source: Yahoo Sports
