Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz attempting to win three-straight over Wisconsin

IOWA CITY, Ia. — One of the Big Ten’s most physical rivalries will take place at Kinnick Stadium under the lights, and the winner of Saturday’s game will be bowl eligible.

That’s more than enough motivation for Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz, as he tries to make it three-straight over Wisconsin for the first time since 2003-05. Nothing comes easy in the battle for the Heartland Trophy though. After all, the rivalry is synonymous with physicality, downhill rushing and hard-hitting.

This will be the 98th meeting between the Badgers and the Hawkeyes, and Ferentz wants the fans to be out in full force. It’s also going to be a Blackout with 70,000-plus fans in attendance, which is a reminder to the players of both teams that everybody respects this game. Ferentz never underestimates the Badgers, regardless of their record, so he wants his players to bring the intensity, and set the tone from the start.

“We’re going to need each and every guy to be doing that because we play a tough opponent in Wisconsin,” Ferentz said. “Rivalry game, Heartland Trophy, and it’s been a series that’s been back and forth, and one thing that’s been consistent, they’re always good.”

Iowa (5-3) has won three of its’ last four games against Wisconsin. Not to mention Ferentz is 1-0 against Luke Fickell. That means the pressure is on the Badgers to get over the hump, and end the streak. It just so happens that the Hawkeyes have new energy with a different quarterback behind center, and one of their star defenders back in the lineup.

Brendan Sullivan is set to make his first start with Iowa, after putting together a promising performance during Cade McNamara’s absence in last week’s victory over Northwestern. The return of All-American defensive back Sebastian Castro gives the defense a boost, and just in time for what Ferentz anticipates will be the most physical contest of the year for his Hawkeyes.

Although Wisconsin lost last week to Penn State, it led by three points at halftime. The Badgers held their own against the No. 3 team in the country, so Ferentz expects them to invade Iowa City with something to prove.

“They’re big, they’re athletic, second year for Coach Fickell and his staff, so they’ve settled in,” he said. “They look good and are playing really good football.”

Throughout the years both programs have been similar in terms of coaching, recruiting, offensive style, defensive play, and special teams. Ferentz credits that to his admiration for former Wisconsin Coach Barry Alvarez, who’s also part of the legendary Hayden Fry coaching tree.

He liked the way Alvarez built Wisconsin (5-3) from a dumpster fire to a Big Ten powerhouse, and that’s what Ferentz has been trying to duplicate at Iowa throughout his tenure.

“We’re a lot alike, they have more population, I guess, a lot of in-state players on both teams, and I think Barry and I had some similarities philosophically about what it should look like, that type of deal,” the 69-year old coach said. “He certainly did it to a high level, Rose Bowls, Rose Bowl victories, and when we got here in ’99 they were the ones we were looking at.”

The Hawkeyes are the favorites in this matchup, and rightfully so. One of the main reasons is because of running back Kaleb Johnson. Not only is he No. 2 nationally in rushing yards, but he also ranks fifth in scoring. Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester will try to use Johnson as a battering ram against the Badgers, considering the success he’s having.

However, Wisconsin’s defense is no slouch. As a matter of fact, the Badgers are currently 22nd in the FBS in total defense, and 24th in points allowed. So something has to give, and Ferentz wants his Hawkeyes to embrace this rivalry, knowing the Badgers will be coming for that brass bull.

“They’ve been a good football team as long as I can remember, it’s always a tough contest, it’s typically going to be a physical contest, good defenses, and hopefully both teams are trying to run the ball a little bit.”