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Iowa vs Wisconsin – Week 7 Big Ten Betting Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes visit the Wisconsin Badgers in the annual Heartland Trophy rivalry. Both programs enter with quarterback questions and defensive strength defining their early-season identity. Iowa is 3-2 (1-1 Big Ten) after a narrow loss to Indiana, while Wisconsin sits at 2-3 (0-2 Big Ten) following a road defeat at Michigan.
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The Hawkeyes have taken three straight in the series, including a 42-10 rout last season. Wisconsin leads the all-time matchup 49-47-2, but Iowa’s physicality has dictated recent meetings.
Iowa can win if
Mark Gronowski returns healthy and provides stability at quarterback. Before his knee injury, he completed 68 of 106 passes with three touchdowns and two picks. His command of the offense has kept Iowa efficient enough to complement its elite defense.
Iowa ranks fourth nationally against the run, allowing only 69.4 rushing yards per game. That front seven, anchored by Jay Higgins and Deontae Craig, can force Wisconsin into predictable passing situations.
Special teams could swing the game. Kaden Wetjen leads the nation in punt return average (31.5 yards) and has two return touchdowns this season. If Iowa wins the field position battle and gets steady play from Gronowski, it can grind out another rivalry win.
Wisconsin can win if
They protect the football and find rhythm at quarterback. Hunter Simmons completed 18 of 29 passes against Michigan and could start again if Billy Edwards Jr. remains sidelined. Wisconsin’s passing game has struggled, averaging under 200 yards per contest, but a clean turnover margin can keep the Badgers competitive.
Running the ball remains essential. The Badgers rank sixth nationally against the run themselves, giving up just 75 yards per game. On offense, Braelon Allen and Chez Mellusi have combined for steady production, and success on early downs could open up play-action against Iowa’s disciplined secondary.
If Wisconsin’s defense holds serve and the offense avoids mistakes, they have a path to snapping Iowa’s streak at Camp Randall.
Line Movement and Odds
Opening: Wisconsin -2.5 / Iowa +2.5
Current: Wisconsin -3 / Iowa +3
Total: 36.5 points (Over -110 / Under -110)
Low totals are nothing new for Iowa, which has hit the under in five of its last six conference road games. See live movement and betting splits on the college football odds page.
SAM HOUSTON ST
vs
JACKSONVILLE STATE
Final
vs
Oct 09, 2025 13:00 EST
27
Score
29
+9 -110
Spread
-9 -110
o+55.5-110
Total
u+55.5-110
+275
Moneyline
-350
GEORGIA SOUTHERN
vs
SOUTHERN MISS
Final
vs
Oct 09, 2025 13:00 EST
35
Score
38
+3 -110
Spread
-3 -110
o+60.5-110
Total
u+60.5-110
+125
Moneyline
-145
TULANE
vs
EAST CAROLINA
Final
vs
Oct 09, 2025 12:30 EST
26
Score
19
-7 -110
Spread
+7 -110
o+55-110
Total
u+55-110
-250
Moneyline
+202
Matchup Breakdown
Iowa’s defense remains elite, ranking 12th in total yards allowed (254.2 per game) and fourth in rushing defense. However, offensive production continues to lag, with the Hawkeyes averaging just 327.4 yards per game.
Wisconsin’s defense has been nearly as tough, ranking sixth nationally against the run and allowing only 316.6 total yards per contest. The issue has been consistency at quarterback — the Badgers have averaged just 11.3 points over their past three losses.
For statistical comparisons and player metrics, visit the college football teams page. You can also explore situational betting strategies inside the college football betting guide or the Bettors Handbook.
Injuries and Conditions
Iowa Hawkeyes
- QB Mark Gronowski (knee) – probable
- RB Leshon Williams (shoulder) – questionable
Wisconsin Badgers
- QB Billy Edwards Jr. (knee) – doubtful
- LB Maema Njongmeta (ankle) – probable
Weather in Madison is expected to be partly cloudy with temperatures in the low 60s and light winds.
Best Bets and Prediction
Both defenses are capable of dominating this matchup, but Iowa’s health at quarterback could tilt the balance. Expect a grind-it-out Big Ten game with field position and turnovers deciding the outcome.
Prediction: Iowa 17, Wisconsin 16
Best Bet: Iowa +3 (-110)
Secondary Lean: Under 36.5 (-110)
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ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Follow ScoresAndStats for daily college football previews, line movement updates, and verified expert selections from the nation’s top handicappers.
