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Is Wisconsin better this year than last?

thewop

HB Legend
Jun 27, 2002
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Is Iowa?

I believe the answers are as follows:
Wisconsin: No
Iowa: Yes

Last years game in IC was a dogfight. This year's game in Madison figures to be the same. Is Camp Randall the difference?

Saturday can't come soon enough, this has the makings of one of those epic Iowa-Wisconsin games, let's hope there are no injuries.
 
You answered your own question.
No, Wisconsin lost Gordon and there is no one that can replace him, not even a healthy Corey Clement. He was a special talent who I wish stuck with his commitment to the Hawks. Just imagine what we could have been with him in our backfield.
Yes, we are better this year. CJ has brought confidence to entire team. Rudock was a good QB, but he didn't provide leadership, which I believe was due to his pre-med major. If I remember correctly, Kirk would sometimes have to alter the practice schedule due to conflicts with Jake's course schedule. Just one example of many things that are different with this team from last years team.
 
I hope the breakdowns in the run defense against North Texas weren't a sign of things to come. Ott really struggled so hopefully he is 100% by Saturday. That will make a huge difference. Wisconsin hasn't been running the ball like they usually do.

Last year against Wisconsin it was Rudock's best passing game of the season. If I remember right they started opening up the passing offense in the second half and that is when they had the most success against the 3-4 D. They started getting big chunks through the air.
So I think if they can give CJ time, they can pull off the upset.
 
The running game will be important. If Daniels isn't 100%, then I would love to see a fumble free Wadley come in. He seems to provide a big spark every time he's in. Canzeri will do fine, but he's not built to carry the entire game against a team as physical as Wiscy. Continuing to open up the passing game to the TE's will be important as well.
 
Agree with most everything so far - I see our defense as the telling stat in sat. game. IF we can blitz and get pressure on their QB we will win. I like the way our db's are playing - King is a stud. A couple more pics this weekend would be huge. Not worried about the offense or special teams.
 
To break down the Badgers, you really have to be more detail oriented. On my first pass, I jumped to the same conclusion as the OP ... however, I quickly realized that was because I was viewing things through Black-and-Gold polarized glasses. When you try to break down Wisconsin more objectively, you arrive at the following conclusions:
  1. Their defense is better - not just a little better, they are better across the board. This D battled injuries at the beginning of last year and, itself was transitioning after the graduation of a good number of talented players. This years D returns most guys from the secondary ... and a front 7 that is a legit upgrade from last year. Unless I'm mistaken, the D is also pretty healthy coming into the game against Iowa too.
  2. The Badger passing O is improved from last year. Last year the Badger passing game was occasionally near non-existent. Even though I agree with the assertion that Stave is no superstar - he's also back in an offensive scheme that better suits his skill-set. Anderson's offense wasn't a great fit for Stave because Stave just isn't mobile enough. Chryst's O fits Stave like a glove.
  3. The Badger receivers aren't fear-inducing ... however, they still get the job done. They've allowed for Stave to be a more efficient passer. Their TE, Traylor, is a reliable target that our LBs and safeties will need to keep an eye on. I mention the TE because opposing Os have had success targeting their TEs against our D.
  4. The Badger running O definitely has "downshifted" from last year. Part of that is attributable to the fact that Melvin Gordon is an unbelievable talent and another part of that is due to the fact that the Badger OL was very good last year. Furthermore, Gordon was "backed up" by a very capable Clement. Don't get me wrong - without question both Deal and Ogunbowale are talents. However, they lack the combined experience and talent that Gordon and Clement had last year. Furthermore, their OL isn't quite what it was last year.
  5. Before we get too comfortable, it's worth recognizing that Wisconsin's OL-coach is one of the best in the business, Joe Rudolph. Thus, even though the group is "transitioning," we can expect the group to run block really well and be VERY well coached.
So while the Badger running game isn't "all world" like it was last year - the O still should be good. Furthermore, it's a group that is improving through each and every game.

Iowa most certainly IS improved in EVERY facet of the game - however, C.J. Beathard will have his toughest test to date against the Badger defense.

I do agree with the premise that the game will likely be a dogfight. I certainly hope that the Hawks come out on top ... but I wouldn't count on it.
 
For some reason, I believe - even if it turns out to be a loss - will be the turning point this season from a "we really don't know what we have yet" to "OK, we got something pretty good" aspect.

Sort of a coming out party so to speak. I just plainly feel really good about their chances this game.
 
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NU will be a handful, but if we can beat wisky, the west is very doable. They are our toughest opponent.

Not too worried about neb.
 
For some reason, I believe - even if it turns out to be a loss - will be the turning point this season from a "we really don't know what we have yet" to "OK, we got something pretty good" aspect.

Sort of a coming out party so to speak. I just plainly feel really good about their chances this game.
My "gut" tells me exactly the same thing ... my brain tells me to be concerned about the Wisconsin D.
 
I hear ya, ghost...but remember, it goes both ways.

Right now Wisconsin fans are troubled by "no big play ability" in their offense and a running QB to worry about, which they have trouble defending apparently. They also know their running game ain't quite what it has traditionally been.

The few articles I've read from their perspective (Chryst quotes, previews of the game, etc)...they know they are in for a slugfest and that Iowa in much improved.

Shaping up to be quite a contest.
 
This will be the best defense we will face in the West. Northwestern appears strong I would agree but Wisky D is better in my opinion...more attack the LOS and the QB. The windows to throw to will be tighter as well. I do think if we can stay balanced and take care of the ball, we can have success. Become one dimensional and CJ may be running for his life. Use their aggressiveness against them where we can. I would expect a few throws to JC in the flat in some one on one situations. Need our guys to find a way to get separation.....and quick.
 
NU will be a handful, but if we can beat wisky, the west is very doable. They are our toughest opponent.

Not too worried about neb.
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.
I remember the 80's and early 90's, no recruit does.
 
The worry I have is that none of our opponents have tried to run right at our defense. So far our opponents have attacked us on the edge or the perimeter. We don't know how well we can get off blocks that come straight at us the way Wisky likes to play.

I think we are better across the board but we can't allow CJ to be hit like he was in the Pitt game and expect he will hold up.

Should be a great game this week.
 
I'd say Iowa has a great chance to beat Wisconsin. They don't have the premiere RB's they are accustomed to, and their line just isn't the traditional Sconnie line. Their D plays decent, but this should be a pretty good game. The rest of the West is going to be open, and I expect a lot of craziness with every team having a shot to win it for the most part.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.

One thing is for certain. The Huskers wouldn't be 4-0 with our schedule... Nebraska just barely got past Southern Miss. A team ranked 35 positions worse than Illinois State on Sagarin. If you can barely beat a team ranked 100 you probably don't "own" anybody.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.

I'm in no way suggesting our schedule is tough(it did at least include two Power 5 conference opponents), but your suggestion that 90% or 115 out of 128 D1 teams would be 4-0 at this stage with the same schedule is pretty ridiculous. So you're suggesting Rutgers would have run the table with our non-conference schedule? Central Michigan, Texas St., Troy, Tulane, Georgia St., New Mexico and UMass are just a few of the teams ranked between 100-114...your silly comments make me laugh too. Glad we can find entertainment from this board. How did that auto win at the end of the season work out for you two years ago in Lincoln?

We gave you the win last year, it was anything but automatic, but keep living in the past when split level homes and polyester suits were popular.
 
One thing is for certain. The Huskers wouldn't be 4-0 with our schedule... Nebraska just barely got past Southern Miss. A team ranked 35 positions worse than Illinois State on Sagarin. If you can barely beat a team ranked 100 you probably don't "own" anybody.

I don't know if I would go that far. Iowa has had a nice start, but in CFB it is too hard to compare apples to oranges. You just never know on any given Saturday what can happen. There has been a lot of head scratching losses this year. Could be in for a crazy year in college football.
 
I don't recall Nebraska owning Iowa in 2013. And for that matter 2014 either, even though they won.

A backup BYU QB Big Ben's you at home, and you "out-pathetic" Miami to lose in agonizing fashion yet again. The jury is very much out on both those teams right now - which puts Nebraska in the exact same boat as them. We then have a South Alabama trouncing, and surviving against Southern Miss at home.

I'm all tingly at those games. Very impressive how you owned all 4 of them.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.

So just out of curiosity, what is a team that is 2-2, lost to BYU which absolutely got drilled by Michigan, you beat South Alabama,(which just gave up 63 points) and was getting drilled by Miami (until they fell asleep after losing interest in kicking your behind) and then hung on to beat So. Miss?(which is 2-2 giving up 50 points to Texas State?) Really? Let's not line up your schedule like you just took on a bunch of high caliber teams.......you didn't......oh, and your 2-2. But hey, enjoy the view.
 
ghost of homer had some valuable insights.

Iowa Offense v. Wisconsin Defense - that is the main battlefield and one which Iowa must prevail in order to win,.....and not to downplay the Badger offense because they can still make plays. How can they prevail?

Iowa has scored 31, 31, 27, and 62. I see the Pitt game as the closest and most useful for comparison in terms of gaging the Iowa O vs. Wisconsin D battle. The question for me is this: can Iowa score 27 or more points on the Badger defense? Wisconsin defense is at least as good against the run and better than Pitt in pass defense.

The keys to an Iowa win IMO are:

1. Limit turnovers - preferably none. These are always big but they can be especially tough to overcome on the road.

2. Make the most of green zone opportunities. Iowa cannot miss scoring opportunities.

3. Convert a few critical 3rd or 4th downs. Keep drives alive.

I feel pretty confident that Iowa will win if they can score 27 or more points against this Badger defense. Protect the ball, keep drives alive, capitalize on scoring opportunities.
 
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ghost of homer had some valuable insights.

Iowa Offense v. Wisconsin Defense - that is the main battlefield and one which Iowa must prevail in order to win,.....and not to downplay the Badger offense because they can still make plays. How can they prevail?

Iowa has scored 31, 31, 27, and 62. I see the Pitt game as the closest and most useful for comparison in terms of gaging the Iowa O vs. Wisconsin D battle. The question for me is this: can Iowa score 27 or more points on the Badger defense? Wisconsin defense is at least as good against the run and better than Pitt in pass defense.

The keys to an Iowa win IMO are:

1. Limit turnovers - preferably none. These are always big but they can be especially tough to overcome on the road.

2. Make the most of green zone opportunities. Iowa cannot miss scoring opportunities.

3. Convert a few critical 3rd or 4th downs. Keep drives alive.

I feel pretty confident that Iowa will win if they can score 27 or more points against this Badger defense. Protect the ball, keep drives alive, capitalize on scoring opportunities.


Earth-shattering insight there... Let me see.. convert 3rd downs, don't turn it over and convert scoring opportunities and you win??? Wow!
 
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One thing is for certain. The Huskers wouldn't be 4-0 with our schedule... Nebraska just barely got past Southern Miss. A team ranked 35 positions worse than Illinois State on Sagarin. If you can barely beat a team ranked 100 you probably don't "own" anybody.
I don't think Iowa's OOC has been that strong, but I do agree that Illinois State, Iowa State and certainly Pitt are better than anyone Nebraska has played. So, considering Iowa handled 2 of those teams easily (at least 2 touchdowns) you have to conclude Iowa is quite a bit better right now. Nebraska will be getting healthier (their AA punt returner coming back, etc.) so by week 12 it may be closer- 7 or 10 points.
 
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I don't think Iowa's OOC has been that strong, but I do agree that Illinois State, Iowa State and certainly Pitt are better than anyone Nebraska has played. So, considering Iowa handled 2 of those teams easily (at least 2 touchdowns) you have to conclude Iowa is quite a bit better right now. Nebraska will be getting healthier (their AA punt returner coming back, etc.) so by week 12 it may be closer- 7 or 10 points.

So Illinois State, Iowa State, and Pitt are better than BYU and Miami? Interesting.
 
To break down the Badgers, you really have to be more detail oriented. On my first pass, I jumped to the same conclusion as the OP ... however, I quickly realized that was because I was viewing things through Black-and-Gold polarized glasses. When you try to break down Wisconsin more objectively, you arrive at the following conclusions:
  1. Their defense is better - not just a little better, they are better across the board. This D battled injuries at the beginning of last year and, itself was transitioning after the graduation of a good number of talented players. This years D returns most guys from the secondary ... and a front 7 that is a legit upgrade from last year. Unless I'm mistaken, the D is also pretty healthy coming into the game against Iowa too.
  2. The Badger passing O is improved from last year. Last year the Badger passing game was occasionally near non-existent. Even though I agree with the assertion that Stave is no superstar - he's also back in an offensive scheme that better suits his skill-set. Anderson's offense wasn't a great fit for Stave because Stave just isn't mobile enough. Chryst's O fits Stave like a glove.
  3. The Badger receivers aren't fear-inducing ... however, they still get the job done. They've allowed for Stave to be a more efficient passer. Their TE, Traylor, is a reliable target that our LBs and safeties will need to keep an eye on. I mention the TE because opposing Os have had success targeting their TEs against our D.
  4. The Badger running O definitely has "downshifted" from last year. Part of that is attributable to the fact that Melvin Gordon is an unbelievable talent and another part of that is due to the fact that the Badger OL was very good last year. Furthermore, Gordon was "backed up" by a very capable Clement. Don't get me wrong - without question both Deal and Ogunbowale are talents. However, they lack the combined experience and talent that Gordon and Clement had last year. Furthermore, their OL isn't quite what it was last year.
  5. Before we get too comfortable, it's worth recognizing that Wisconsin's OL-coach is one of the best in the business, Joe Rudolph. Thus, even though the group is "transitioning," we can expect the group to run block really well and be VERY well coached.
So while the Badger running game isn't "all world" like it was last year - the O still should be good. Furthermore, it's a group that is improving through each and every game.

Iowa most certainly IS improved in EVERY facet of the game - however, C.J. Beathard will have his toughest test to date against the Badger defense.

I do agree with the premise that the game will likely be a dogfight. I certainly hope that the Hawks come out on top ... but I wouldn't count on it.
Helluva post, thanks for the breakdown.
 
So Illinois State, Iowa State, and Pitt are better than BYU and Miami? Interesting.
I think any of those three probably find a way to at least score in Ann Arbor, BYU couldn't. Also, from what I saw of Miami they weren't good either: some great but undisciplined athletes. Yes, I could be wrong but that's how it's looked to me.
 
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Two things:

First, Iowa-Wisky will be a dogfight. Their defense is the best we'll see in the West, but I think Pitt was better. I think the game is decided by Beathard's ability to scramble. If they contain him we might be in trouble. If he scrambles out of trouble our defense should keep us in the game. Iowa 24-17.

Second, Pitt beats Nebraska by two scores. At least.
 
Two things:

First, Iowa-Wisky will be a dogfight. Their defense is the best we'll see in the West, but I think Pitt was better. I think the game is decided by Beathard's ability to scramble. If they contain him we might be in trouble. If he scrambles out of trouble our defense should keep us in the game. Iowa 24-17.

Second, Pitt beats Nebraska by two scores. At least.

Oh Jesus. I have heard it all now..

For the record I think Iowa knocks off Wisconsin 35-28 as I think you are the better team.
 
Pitt's pretty good, Leodis. Think MSU Jr...very physical, very hard hitting defense. I'm glad Narduzzi was too conservative that game, because Iowa loses if he wasn't.
 
So Illinois State, Iowa State, and Pitt are better than BYU and Miami? Interesting.
I would agree that some Hawk fans are getting a little carried away. I would agree that BYU is pretty good team AND Miami is decent as well. Iowa fans are selling BYU short due to their performance against Michigan. Frankly, Michigan got BYU at the right time and at the right place. BYU was emotional spent ... and then they had to deal with having their freshman QB play well against a talented Michigan D at the Big House. BYU beat a good Boise State team and nearly beat a good UCLA squad.

On the flip side, the Iowa vs Iowa State game is an intense in-state rivalry game. Even when one team is down ... the game still can be a dogfight. Thus, while I wouldn't necessarily consider ISU a "better team" than a BYU or Miami ... the intangibles CAN make the game a really tough one. I've watched inferior Iowa State teams play Nebraska far closer than the game should have been ... the Cyclones can be pesky that way. As for Pitt ... the jury is still out on them, however, I'm a big believer in the talent of their WR, Tyler Boyd, AND I think that their D has the potential to end up being one of the better units in the ACC.

However, it's an intriguing question to ask about how tough the Husker schedule really was. The Huskers had a tendency of making their opponents look better than they really are. For instance, Southern Miss doesn't have that good of a D ... however, the Huskers were forced into how many field goals? Furthermore, against essentially every foe, the Husker pass D doesn't pass as a power-5 conference pass D ... it just doesn't.
 
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Iowa has a lot of guys dinged up. Could be playing Croston at LT (is he on scholarship)? If so, I don't see CJ having much time to throw. Also could see backups at safety and corner. Fleming has been a bit shaky.
If our starters don't play I think it will be tough.
 
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I would agree that some Hawk fans are getting a little carried away. I would agree that BYU is pretty good team AND Miami is decent as well. Iowa fans are selling BYU short due to their performance against Michigan. Frankly, Michigan got BYU at the right time and at the right place. BYU was emotional spent ... and then they had to deal with having their freshman QB play well against a talented Michigan D at the Big House. BYU beat a good Boise State team and nearly beat a good UCLA squad.

On the flip side, the Iowa vs Iowa State game is an intense in-state rivalry game. Even when one team is down ... the game still can be a dogfight. Thus, while I wouldn't necessarily consider ISU a "better team" than a BYU or Miami ... the intangibles CAN make the game a really tough one. I've watched inferior Iowa State teams play Nebraska far closer than the game should have been ... the Cyclones can be pesky that way. As for Pitt ... the jury is still out on them, however, I'm a big believer in the talent of their WR, Tyler Boyd, AND I think that their D has the potential to end up being one of the better units in the ACC.

However, it's an intriguing question to ask about how tough the Husker schedule really was. The Huskers had a tendency of making their opponents look better than they really are. For instance, Southern Miss doesn't have that good of a D ... however, the Huskers were forced into how many field goals? Furthermore, against essentially every foe, the Husker pass D doesn't pass as a power-5 conference pass D ... it just doesn't.

100% agree. Pretty good breakdown
 
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Iowa has a lot of guys dinged up. Could be playing Croston at LT (is he on scholarship)? If so, I don't see CJ having much time to throw. Also could see backups at safety and corner. Fleming has been a bit shaky.
If our starters don't play I think it will be tough.
Croston played most of the game against North Texas ... and you'd be hard pressed to notice much of a drop-off. Of course there is a reason why Myers is the starter ... but Croston executed pretty well. At least we can add extra TEs if we need to help block the edge.

I'd agree that the secondary would be more of a concern if Taylor and Mabin aren't good to go.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you? Iowa has gained a lot of confidence from beating teams on a horrible OOC schedule. I know you guys are used to losing to these bad teams, but just because you beat them, it doesn't make you a good team. You just did what most teams do, they beat the bad teams on their schedule. The auto win for the Huskers will continue for us at the end of the season. You silly Iowa fans make me laugh. 90% of D1 teams would be 4-0 with your horrible schedule.
The difference is that we would be 4-0 with your patsy schedule too.
You do realize you have the worst passing defense in the FBS.
Those pink shirts are really getting it done for you. Lol.
Not run along and go back to your # 90's glory days.
 
I don't think Wisconsin is as good now as they were last November. By November they might be. Iowa I believe is better now than they were last November.
 
Oh Jesus. I have heard it all now..

For the record I think Iowa knocks off Wisconsin 35-28 as I think you are the better team.
While I don't think Pitt would beat Nebraska, maybe we'll find out! It's realistic to think Nebraska could play Pitt in the Pin Stripe bowl. While I respect Pitt based on their physical play, I'll be pulling for Big Red in that one.
 
To break down the Badgers, you really have to be more detail oriented. On my first pass, I jumped to the same conclusion as the OP ... however, I quickly realized that was because I was viewing things through Black-and-Gold polarized glasses. When you try to break down Wisconsin more objectively, you arrive at the following conclusions:
  1. Their defense is better - not just a little better, they are better across the board. This D battled injuries at the beginning of last year and, itself was transitioning after the graduation of a good number of talented players. This years D returns most guys from the secondary ... and a front 7 that is a legit upgrade from last year. Unless I'm mistaken, the D is also pretty healthy coming into the game against Iowa too.
  2. The Badger passing O is improved from last year. Last year the Badger passing game was occasionally near non-existent. Even though I agree with the assertion that Stave is no superstar - he's also back in an offensive scheme that better suits his skill-set. Anderson's offense wasn't a great fit for Stave because Stave just isn't mobile enough. Chryst's O fits Stave like a glove.
  3. The Badger receivers aren't fear-inducing ... however, they still get the job done. They've allowed for Stave to be a more efficient passer. Their TE, Traylor, is a reliable target that our LBs and safeties will need to keep an eye on. I mention the TE because opposing Os have had success targeting their TEs against our D.
  4. The Badger running O definitely has "downshifted" from last year. Part of that is attributable to the fact that Melvin Gordon is an unbelievable talent and another part of that is due to the fact that the Badger OL was very good last year. Furthermore, Gordon was "backed up" by a very capable Clement. Don't get me wrong - without question both Deal and Ogunbowale are talents. However, they lack the combined experience and talent that Gordon and Clement had last year. Furthermore, their OL isn't quite what it was last year.
  5. Before we get too comfortable, it's worth recognizing that Wisconsin's OL-coach is one of the best in the business, Joe Rudolph. Thus, even though the group is "transitioning," we can expect the group to run block really well and be VERY well coached.
So while the Badger running game isn't "all world" like it was last year - the O still should be good. Furthermore, it's a group that is improving through each and every game.

Iowa most certainly IS improved in EVERY facet of the game - however, C.J. Beathard will have his toughest test to date against the Badger defense.

I do agree with the premise that the game will likely be a dogfight. I certainly hope that the Hawks come out on top ... but I wouldn't count on it.
 
Not too worried about the team that owns you?

nope.

The 2014 husker team that had to win in OT or the 2013 team that got beat by 21 points or the 2012 team that won by 6 won't be playing on Black Friday.

I believe the 2015 hawks will beat the 2015 huskers. But we will find out.

BTW- beating So Alabama and So Mississippi doesn't make you a good team.
 
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