This game was exciting as Iowa gained 329 yards from the ground.

A closer look at Iowa’s dominant 42-10 win Saturday night over Wisconsin at Kinnick Stadium. The Heartland Trophy remains in Iowa City for another year.

It was the largest margin of victory in this series since 1968.

Turning point: Deshaun Lee interception appears to revitalize Iowa offense

Wisconsin actually led this game at the end of the first quarter, 3-0. Iowa kicker Drew Stevens missed a 56-yard field goal attempt with a post, giving the Badgers good field position at their own 39-yard line.

The ball finally reached the center of the field. But on a first-and-10 play, Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke threw to the left side, with Iowa cornerback Deshaun Lee reading the play, breaking away from another receiver and stepping in front of the intended receiver for a interception and return to the Hawkeyes 47. .

Suddenly energized, Iowa’s offense made it the remaining 53 yards, and quarterback Brendan Sullivan finally scored on a 1-yard touchdown. The extra point gave Iowa a 7-3 lead.

Wisconsin then went three-and-out, with Iowa taking control after a punt at its 20. A 30-yard Kamari Moulton run took the ball into Badgers territory.

Johnson finally scored on a 16-yard run. The defeat was underway.

By the numbers: Wisconsin at Iowa

10 – Pass attempts for Iowa.

19 – Johnson touchdowns this season.

20 — Iowa offensive touchdowns last season.

54 – Rushed attempts for Iowa.

72— Points scored by Wisconsin opponents from conclusions this season.

Iowa Football Notebook

*Can anyone play quarterback?

The pregame availability report listed Cade McNamara and Marco Lainez as out for Saturday’s game. McNamara, of course, suffered a concussion in the first half of last week’s win over Northwesternbut Lainez’s condition was a surprise.

He is a redshirt freshman who rushed for 51 yards and completed 2 of 7 passes for 4 yards in the 2024 Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, the only appearance of his career. Iowa recently announced James Resar has gone from quarterback to receiverand he is hurt.

Therefore, the only other quarterback on Iowa’s roster available to play besides Sullivan was Jackson Strattonwho is a sophomore transfer from Colorado State.

“If you’re going to run the ball, slide it,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said of Sullivan’s run at his weekly news conference Tuesday. “I’m fine with that. If we had 10 quarterbacks, I’d still ask him to do it. …But you don’t want to hook the guy back up or strangle him too much.”

Of course, as dominant as the running game was, it was irrelevant.

*Iowa’s Nick Jackson had an interception in the third quarter that was as unique as you’ll see.

The linebacker stepped in front of a Locke slant pass attempt, the ball deflecting off his left hand and then his right foot. His kicking motion sent the ball hard back, off teammate Bryan Allen Jr.’s mask and into the air, straight to Jackson, who caught it at the Badgers 40 and returned it to the 11, setting up an Iowa touchdown.

*Rusty Toolbox remains in Iowa City. The Iowa team managers beat the Wisconsin team managers in a flag football game Friday night at the Iowa practice facility, 32-6. The teams have played for the Rusty Toolbox Trophy since 1991. Iowa has won this game five years in a row.

Iowa football injury report

Also out for Iowa were cornerback John Nestor, wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (injured last week against Northwestern) and tight ends Luke Lachey and Addison Ostrenga. Lachey warmed up with his teammates before the game but did not play. Zach Ortwerth and Johnny Pascuzzi start at dual tight ends for Iowa.

Iowa’s next game

You’ll have to stay up relatively late to see this one. The Hawkeyes head to the West Coast for a Friday night game against UCLA in the Rose Bowl. Kickoff is at 8 pm and the game will be televised on FOX.

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