Kirk Ferentz

Kirk Ferentz

Wisconsin opened this season as the favorite to win the Big Ten West Division and that won’t draw an argument from Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz. The Badgers have made a habit of appearing in the Big Ten Championship game and have won three league titles in the past five years.

“Wisconsin has done as well as anybody the last five years”, said Ferentz. ” If you are going to be a contender you’re going to have to do well against them. We are not going to let one game define the entire season but it is an important game.”

After falling to Alabama in its season opener Wisconsin has won three straight. Paul Chryst is the third different Badger coach in four years and says he has been impressed with the Iowa offense.

“They have great balance to their offense”, said Chryst. “When you think of a traditional Iowa team they have got that identity but they are also very explosive.”

Saturday’s game will be the Hawkeyes’ first visit to Madison since a 20-10 victory in 2009.