GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Through three games, Iowa’s defense is statistically one of the best in the nation, but they’ll be put to the test Saturday by Wisconsin’s Heisman Trophy candidate running back Jonathan Taylor. The Hawkeyes are ranked second nationally in scoring defense (8.0 points per game), total defense (209.0 yards per game) and rushing defense (42.0 yards per game). Wisconsin is ninth in the country in rushing offense (285.0 yards per game) and Taylor is No. 2 in rushing with a 171.7-yards-per-game average. Iowa’s defensive line, its best overall unit, against Wisconsin’s big offensive line should be a slugfest. The battle in the trenches should be a key factor in determining the outcome of this rivalry.
DRAFT SLANT
–TE Noah Fant’s 14 career touchdowns are the most by a tight end in Iowa football history. A junior who is projected as a first-round pick in 2019 by NFLDraftScout.com should he choose to leave Iowa, is tied for ninth on Iowa’s career list for touchdown catches. The preseason All-American has scored nine touchdowns in his last 10 games at Kinnick Stadium, where Iowa will face Wisconsin on Saturday.
ROSTER REPORT:
–RB Ivory Kelly-Martin has returned to practice and may be available for Saturday’s Big Ten matchup with Wisconsin. Iowa’s opening-game starter suffered an ankle injury against Northern Illinois and missed the past two games against Iowa State and Northern Iowa. “He’s a playmaker,” running back Toren Young, who has started in Kelly-Martin’s place, said.
–WR Ihmir Smith-Marsette could be back when Iowa plays host to rival Wisconsin on Saturday after suffering a shoulder injury two weeks ago against Iowa State on a 45-yard catch in the third quarter and sitting out last week’s game against Northern Iowa. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said the speedy wideout, who has four catches for 73 yards this season, practiced Tuesday.
–G Colt Banwart, the starter at right guard, is recovering from a lower leg injury and could be back on the field Saturday for Iowa against Wisconsin in Kinnick Stadium. Banwart missed last week’s game against Northern Iowa.
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