Wisconsin Football: Bucky Prevails, Grading the Win Against Iowa

After denouncing Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes at home last Saturday, Bret Bielema's crew shocked the Big Ten with a down-to-the-wire victory at Iowa.

It truly was a day to remember for Wisconsin, shocking arguably the fastest, most feared defense in the entire country.

So many things were accomplished on a day where (nearly) everything went right for the Badgers.

If not for a close loss to a now undefeated Michigan State on the road, we might be looking at a top-five BCS ranking for the Badgers.  

With the win, Wisconsin's Big Ten title hopes still remain untarnished, while Iowa looks ahead to a matchup against the undefeated Michigan State Spartans at home next week.

So many injuries seem to have piled up for the Badgers this week, especially playing without their No. 1 receiver, senior Nick Toon.

Nevertheless, the Badgers came out on top and hope to ride the momentum into the November 6 game against Purdue.

But before we look at the weeks to come, we must first grade the performances of Wisconsin as a whole. Taking a much deeper look into what this game really had to offer will further explain why Bucky was superior.

Offense

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Running back John Clay #32 of the Wisconsin Badgers is tackled by line backer Lance Tillison #50 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes as he drove the ball up the middle of the Wisconsin Badgers during the second half of play at

John Clay was held under 100 yards for the first time in an eternity (Clay also ran for two TD); however Montee Ball's performance contributed to the game's final decision.

Ball's late touchdown silenced the Iowa faithful, eventually giving the Badgers the momentum with 1:06 left in regulation.

The run game never seemed in question throughout the entire game, which is clearly to Wisconsin's advantage.

Running around (or through) Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn seemed like a task worth the challenge, which ultimately was won by John Clay and company.

Meanwhile, reliable QB Scott Tolzien marched down the field on the Iowa defense numerous times, most notably on the 80-yard final drive in regulation.

Tolzien threw for 205 yards, along with completing his first eight consecutive passes to start the game. The passing game never seemed to skip a beat against a potent Iowa defense, which gives Wisconsin fans something to really cheer about.

What's not to love about a team with the best power-back in the country, complemented by one of the most reliable quarterbacks in the Big Ten? 

Grade: A-

Defense

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Running back Adam Robinson #32 of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes is tackled by defensive backs Jay Valai #2 and Nile Brinkley #29 and linebacker Blake Sorensen #9 of the Wisconsin Badgers during the first half of play at Kinni

The Badgers weren't completely able to stop the high-powered offense of Iowa, but they were able to stop the Hawkeyes when it really mattered.

J.J. Watt's sack on Ricky Stanzi in the crucial ending of the fourth quarter for an 11-yard loss was one of the key plays that the Wisconsin defense was able to accomplish.

Iowa started its final drive in the fourth quarter with all of its timeouts, but burned them all after being stopped on critical plays by an inspired Badger defense.

In retrospect, the Wisconsin secondary was clearly being eaten up by Ricky Stanzi and the Iowa passing game.  Iowa wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos was accountable for 93 yards, and a TD against the mismatched Badgers defense.  

In the end, the Badgers defense that has been doubted all year, stepped up and limited the Hawkeyes' offense enough to pull out a win.

Grade: B

Special Teams

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Running back Bradie Ewing #34 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with teammate tight end Jacob Pedersen #48 after scoring a touchdown during the second half of play against the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on

Its easy to see why the Badgers came out on top Saturday.

A blocked extra point in the first quarter was the difference in the game's final score of 31-30.

Philip Welch was one-for-two on field goals, and knocked home four extra points that made all the difference in the outcome.

The kick-return team for Wisconsin was able to place the offense in superb field position on a consistent basis throughout the contest.

Without a doubt, the play of the game was the fake punt on fourth down from the Wisconsin 35-yard line, setting up the game-deciding touchdown run by Montee Ball with 1:05 left to play.

All in all, the Badgers special-teams unit was the deciding factor against Iowa on Saturday.

Grade: B-

Overall

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IOWA CITY, IA - OCTOBER 23: Offensive lineman Gabe Carimi #68 of the Wisconsin Badgers holds the Heartland Trophy with his teammates as they celebrate their victory of the University of Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Iowa City, Io

The Badgers got a great win yesterday, without question.

It was a total team effort in taking down the nation's best overall defense, and Bret Bielema's crew deserves all the credit in the world for what they've accomplished.

Looking ahead, the Badgers travel to South Bend on November 6 to take on Purdue, a game that should be a confidence-booster for Bucky's crew.

Should the Badgers win out their schedule, look for Wisconsin to be in serious talks for a Rose-Bowl bid, and possibly...a National Championship?  We'll have to wait and see.

As for now, the Badgers will have to take the rest of this magical season on a game-to-game basis. Nevertheless, it sure feels good to be a Badgers fan right about now.

Overall Grade: A-