The Badgers (4-3 Big Ten, 7-4 overall) will meet the Iowa Hawkeyes (4-3, 8-3) Saturday at Camp Randall Stadium for the conclusion of the 2003 regular season. Wisconsin has had its share of struggles this season, but is coming off a victory which saw it all but obliterate a previously ranked Spartans squad.
Similar to UW, the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes head into this weekend having won their last game. After being unranked during the preseason for the second straight year, Iowa has proven it is a team that cannot be overlooked.
Iowa is led by its defense, which has allowed a stingy 15.6 points per game this season. Sophomore defensive end Matt Roth has recorded a team-high 11 sacks and is one of many strengths on a strong Hawkeyes defensive unit.
Regardless of how intimidating Iowa's defense may be, the Badgers offense looks like it is finally starting to click on all cylinders. After last weekend's five-touchdown performance, wide receiver Lee Evans has moved up the charts and is currently the 7th leading receiver in the nation with 1,086 total yards and 12 touchdowns. Even though this season might not produce a 1,000-yard running back, overall the Wisconsin running game ranks second in the Big Ten with 188.4 yards per game.
Offensive Coordinator Brian White agrees that UW must continue its offensive productivity if it wishes to be successful in Saturday's game.
\We should have a lot of confidence. We know that we're a good football team playing against an outstanding defense,"" White said. ""It's going to come down to out-competing Iowa for footballs, breaking tackles, and creating big plays.""
In addition to an excellent defense, Iowa brings along a high-powered offense led by senior running back Fred Russell. Russell places third in the Big Ten with 1,068 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the year.
Taking snaps for the Hawkeyes is first-year starter, senior quarterback Nathan Chandler. Chandler has outperformed expectations so far this season by throwing for 1,804 yards with 16 touchdowns. Pacing an offense that resembles UW's, senior linebacker and Wisconsin team captain Jeff Mack knows what to expect.
""Their team is kind of similar to ours in the sense that they'll play smash-mouth football and are not afraid to run it at us,"" Mack said, ""Stopping Russell, containing their quarterback and consistently making the pocket collapse are our main goals.""
Adding to the hoopla already surrounding the game is the emotional aspect of ""Senior Day."" As a senior, Mack agrees that this game is important on many different levels.
""It is extremely important for me as a senior to win this game and leave Wisconsin as a winner,"" Mack said. ""But more than anything, winning this game will propel us ahead of Iowa in the Big Ten, which will give us a chance to possibly go to a better bowl.""
Coach White insists that finishing the season on a strong note is a must for UW.
""I think a win this weekend is critical. It will give us a shot at playing in a Jan. 1 bowl game, which has been our goal the entire season."" White said. ""It is also important because it would allow our seniors to finish off their careers by winning their last game in our stadium.""
As if the bowl rankings and conference standings at stake this weekend in Madison were not enough, Barry Alvarez will be attempting to win his 100th game as the Wisconsin Badgers head coach.
""My vision is very short; I'm just always worried about the next game, spring practice, recruiting, whatever it might be, that's all that I try to focus on,"" Alvarez said. ""I really don't pay much attention to the record or anything else. Then all the sudden when you're close it gets meaningful.\
