(Madison, WI) — It just wasn’t a win, it was a beat down. Iowa went to Camp Randall and totally dismantled Wisconsin on Saturday night 37-0. It was the first time that Iowa had blanked Wisconsin on their own field in 96 years. It was also the first shutout for Iowa over the Badgers since 1980.
Iowa stormed ahead 17-0 in the first quarter on a 32 yard field goal by Drew Stevens, a Kamari Moulton 6 yard TD run and a Mark Gronowski TD run that was set up by an Aaron Graves interception that he almost returned for a score. Stevens kicked two field goals in the 2nd quarter and Iowa led 23-0 at the half. Xavier Williams had TD runs from 29 and 19 yards in the 2nd half to complete the scoring.
The Hawkeyes took advantage of 3 Wisconsin turnovers and Iowa’s defense limited the Badgers to just 82 yards passing. A flustered Wisconsin team committed three unsportsmanlike penalties in the game. Wisconsin’s schedule does not get any easier, hosting Ohio St. next week and 4 of their next 5 opponents are ranked.
Gronowski had only been cleared to play last Monday and was considered a game time decision. He played most of the way and at times was tentative in the running game but was very efficient in the offense.
Wisconsin is now 2-4, 0-3 while Iowa is 4-2, 2-1 and will host Penn St. next Saturday.
Iowa Stats
Mark Gronowski 17-24 passing, 107 yards, 1 INT; 1 rushing TD
Kamari Moulton 15 carries, 96 yards, 1 TD; 3 catches, 29 yards
Xavier Williams 7 carries, 55 yards, 2 TD
Nathan McNeil 9 carries, 40 yards
Reece Vander Zee 3 catches, 29 yards
Karson Sharer 7 tackles, 1 TFL
Wisconsin Stats
Hunter Simmons 8-21, 82 yards, 2 INT
Dilin Jones 16 carries, 69 yards
