Wisconsin Badgers
4-2 , 2-1
Iowa
6-1 , 3-1
Wisconsin falls to Iowa, 15-6
October 14, 2023 | Football
Hawkeyes retain Heartland trophy in Big Ten rivalry
MADISON, Wis. - A cool and gloomy October day at Camp Randall Stadium saw a defensive battle in Big Ten play as Iowa claimed a 15-6 victory over Wisconsin.
Leshon Williams scored the game's lone touchdown on an 82-yard breakaway and finished with 174 yards rushing as Iowa (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) defeated Wisconsin (4-2, 2-1) to maintain possession of the Heartland Trophy, the 72-pound brass bull that goes to the winner of this annual matchup.
Both team's lost starting players to first-half injuries. Iowa tight end Erick All was carted into the locker room after getting injured while making a 5-yard catch on the Hawkeyes' second series. Wisconsin lost quarterback Mordecai late in the second quarter when he was following through on a pass and his throwing hand hit the helmet of Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins. Wisconsin quarterback Braedyn Locke, a Mississippi State transfer, stepped in for the Badgers.
All's injury was a huge setback for an Iowa offense that already lost starting quarterback Cade McNamara to a season-ending knee injury and tight end Luke Lachey to a likely season-ending ankle injury.
With Iowa facing third-and-2 early in the second quarter, Williams broke free about a dozen yards downfield and raced down the right sideline. After that touchdown, Iowa gained 3 net yards over its next six series, all three-and-outs. Wisconsin cut the margin to 7-6 when it drove 60 yards on each of its first two second-half series and capped both with Nathanial Vakos field goals, one from 36 yards out and the other from 52.
Iowa extended its lead to 10-6 on Drew Stevens' 48-yard field goal with 13:08 left. Yahya Black sacked Locke and forced a fumble that Wisconsin tackle Riley Mahlman recovered in the end zone for a safety with 12:15 remaining.
Wisconsin's late rally was ended when Iowa's Aaron Graves forced a Locke fumble that Higgins recovered at the Badgers' 39, setting up Stevens' 40-yard field goal with 1:55 left.
Iowa punter Tory Taylor averaged 50.6 yards on his 10 punts, while Iowa's quarterback Deacon Hill finished just 6 of 14 for 37 yards.
Wisconsin travels to Illinois next Saturday. Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT with television viewing information still to be announced.
The AP contributed to this article.
Team Stats
IOW 7, WIS 0
IOW - Williams,Leshon 82 yd run (Stevens,Drew kick), 3 plays, 90 yards, TOP 01:20
IOW 7, WIS 3
WIS - Vakos,Nathanial 36 yd field goal 13 plays, 60 yards, TOP 05:01
IOW 7, WIS 6
WIS - Vakos,Nathanial 52 yd field goal 10 plays, 60 yards, TOP 04:55
IOW 10, WIS 6
IOW - Stevens,Drew 48 yd field goal 6 plays, 28 yards, TOP 02:44
IOW 12, WIS 6
IOW - 0 yd safety
IOW 15, WIS 6
IOW - Stevens,Drew 40 yd field goal 5 plays, 17 yards, TOP 01:06
