Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 11/2/2024 7:30 PM EST

We have your Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Wisconsin Badgers hit the road to face the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes Odds Info

Best Moneyline Odds: Wisconsin Badgers +125 (BetMGM) / Iowa Hawkeyes -150 (BetMGM)
Best Spread Odds: -3.0 - Wisconsin Badgers -110 (BetRivers) / Iowa Hawkeyes -105 (DraftKings)
Best Total Odds: 40.5 - Under -110 (DraftKings) / Over -110 (Caesars)

Game Info

Date: 11/2/2024
Time: 7:30 PM EST
Location: Kinnick Stadium (Iowa City, IA)
TV: NBC

Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes Preview

The Wisconsin Badgers and Iowa Hawkeyes are set to clash in a pivotal Big Ten matchup at Kinnick Stadium, with both teams eyeing bowl eligibility and the coveted Heartland Trophy. The Badgers, coming off a 28-13 loss to Penn State, will look to rebound behind the leadership of redshirt sophomore quarterback Braedyn Locke. Locke, who stepped in after Tyler Van Dyke's season-ending injury, has shown resilience but will need to improve his efficiency, having thrown an interception in each of his five starts this season. Wisconsin's offense will heavily rely on senior running back Tawee Walker, who has been a standout performer with 624 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, aiming to exploit Iowa's run defense.

On the other side, the Hawkeyes are riding high after a commanding 40-14 victory over Northwestern. However, they face a significant challenge with starting quarterback Cade McNamara sidelined due to a concussion. Brendan Sullivan, a junior transfer from Northwestern, will take the reins. Sullivan's dual-threat capability was on display last week as he contributed both through the air and on the ground, providing a spark to Iowa's offense. The Hawkeyes will also lean on star running back Kaleb Johnson, who has been a force with 1,144 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season, to maintain their ground dominance.

Weather conditions could play a crucial role in this matchup, with forecasts predicting rain and cooler temperatures, which may further emphasize the importance of the running game and field position. Historically, the team with the superior punter has had the upper hand in this rivalry, and Wisconsin's Atticus Bertrams currently holds a slight edge over Iowa's Rhys Dakin in punting average. As both teams prepare for this storied rivalry, the atmosphere at Kinnick Stadium promises to be electric, with Iowa donning special all-black uniforms for the occasion. The stage is set for a classic Big Ten showdown where every yard will be fiercely contested.

Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes Pick: Iowa Hawkeyes Moneyline

The Iowa Hawkeyes are poised to secure a victory over the Wisconsin Badgers in this highly anticipated Big Ten clash. Several factors tilt the scales in favor of the Hawkeyes, starting with their formidable home-field advantage at Kinnick Stadium, where they boast a 4-1 record this season. The only blemish on their home record was a narrow one-point loss to a strong Iowa State team, underscoring their resilience in front of their home crowd.

Despite the absence of starting quarterback Cade McNamara due to a concussion, Iowa's offense has found a new spark with Brendan Sullivan under center. Sullivan's dual-threat capabilities were on full display in the Hawkeyes' recent 40-14 triumph over Northwestern, where he efficiently managed the game and added a rushing touchdown. This versatility adds a new dimension to Iowa's attack, complementing the exceptional performance of running back Kaleb Johnson, who has amassed 1,144 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Johnson's ability to dominate on the ground will be crucial, especially given the forecasted rainy conditions that could emphasize the running game.

Defensively, Iowa has been stout, recently holding Northwestern to just 43 rushing yards. This defensive prowess will be vital against a Wisconsin team that relies heavily on its running game, led by Tawee Walker. Moreover, the Hawkeyes have a psychological edge, having won the last two meetings against the Badgers, including a decisive victory at Camp Randall Stadium last year.

Special teams could also play a pivotal role, and while Wisconsin's punter Atticus Bertrams has a slight statistical edge, the overall performance of Iowa's Rhys Dakin should not be underestimated. The Hawkeyes' ability to control field position, combined with their defensive strength and Sullivan's emerging leadership, positions them well to claim the Heartland Trophy once again. With the added motivation of wearing special all-black uniforms, Iowa is set to rise to the occasion in this storied rivalry.

Wisconsin Badgers at Iowa Hawkeyes Top Player Prop Picks

Kaleb Johnson Over 96.5 Rushing Yards -115 (bet365)

Kaleb Johnson has been a powerhouse for the Iowa Hawkeyes this season, amassing 1,144 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns. His impressive average of 7.8 yards per carry highlights his ability to break through defenses consistently. With the forecast predicting rain and cooler temperatures, the game is likely to emphasize the running game, playing directly into Johnson's strengths. Wisconsin's defense, which struggled against Penn State, will have a tough task containing Johnson, especially given Iowa's home-field advantage and the momentum from their recent victory over Northwestern. Johnson's performance will be crucial for Iowa, and he is poised to surpass the 96.5 rushing yards line.

Brendan Sullivan Over 20.5 Rushing Yards -120 (bet365)

Brendan Sullivan's dual-threat capability was on full display in Iowa's recent win over Northwestern, where he rushed for 41 yards and scored a touchdown. With Cade McNamara sidelined, Sullivan will start against Wisconsin, and his ability to contribute on the ground adds a new dimension to Iowa's offense. The rainy conditions expected for the game further emphasize the importance of a mobile quarterback who can make plays with his legs. Sullivan's rushing prowess will be a key factor in Iowa's offensive strategy, and he is well-positioned to exceed the 20.5 rushing yards line, especially given Wisconsin's recent defensive vulnerabilities.

Tawee Walker Over 78.5 Rushing Yards -115 (bet365)

Tawee Walker has been a standout performer for the Wisconsin Badgers, with 624 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns this season. Despite a challenging game against Penn State, Walker remains a crucial component of Wisconsin's offense. The Badgers will likely rely heavily on Walker to establish the run game, particularly in adverse weather conditions that favor ground attacks. Iowa's defense, while strong, will face a formidable challenge in containing Walker, who is on pace to reach 1,000 yards this season. Given his consistent performance and the emphasis on the run game, Walker is expected to surpass the 78.5 rushing yards line.