The Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2) will host the No. 25 Wisconsin Badgers (5-2) on Saturday, October 31, at noon ET at Kinnick Stadium in the 100th meeting between the programs. The winner will claim the Heartland Trophy. Iowa enters as a 2.5-point favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook, with the over/under set at 36.5 points.
Betting Odds
The money line lists Wisconsin at +114 and Iowa at -135. The spread is Iowa -2.5, and the over/under is 36.5 (Over -112, Under -108).
Team Previews
Wisconsin rebounded from a 17-7 loss at UCLA with a 24-7 victory over No. 16 USC, holding the Trojans to negative rushing yardage and recording five sacks. Interceptions by Bryce West and Cairo Skanes in the first quarter helped set the tone. Quarterback Colton Joseph completed 12 of 14 passes for a touchdown to Chris Brooks Jr., while Abu Sama III rushed for 71 yards. Wisconsin's offense generated only 200 total yards, relying heavily on its defense.
Iowa suffered a 13-10 loss at Minnesota after tying the game late on a 37-yard touchdown pass from Hank Brown to Reece Vander Zee. Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski split quarterback duties, combining for 198 passing yards and three interceptions. The Hawkeyes outgained Minnesota 288-209 but committed four turnovers. Iowa's defense recorded 10 tackles for loss and three sacks, limiting Minnesota to 72 rushing yards.
Prediction
SportsLine projects a 25-24 Wisconsin victory, aligning with the moneyline pick of Wisconsin at +114. The Badgers have won at Penn State this season, demonstrating road resilience, while Iowa's offense has struggled with turnovers. Wisconsin's defense, which held USC to seven points, could capitalize on Iowa's quarterback instability.
