ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- At some point down the line, Iowa will need to showcase some style points.

It's an unfortunate reality in a sport without a playoff. Winning simply isn't good enough. Teams are required to be flashy and dominant in victory, and as the Hawkeyes continue their path toward a possible undefeated season, they'll need to win pretty.

	AP Photo/Andy Manis
	Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz leads the best team in the Big Ten.

But Kirk Ferentz and his players don't care about that right now. They've developed a formula for both achieving success and handling it, and they're showing no signs of slowing down.

Iowa's latest example came in Saturday's 20-10 victory over Wisconsin at Camp Randall Stadium. For the sixth time in seven games, the Hawkeyes came from behind to win. For the second time in as many Big Ten road games, Iowa rallied from a 10-0 deficit in a hostile stadium.

They won Saturday with clutch third-and-long conversions and critical defensive stops.

They didn't show much leg, but they showed plenty of heart.

"We're certainly not the prettiest car in the lot," said Ferentz, whose team is off to its best start since 1985. "But that's OK. We're not going to be a big style-points team."

Iowa's success stems from a mindset that every game will be difficult. Rankings and records are meaningless, and entitlement doesn't exist.

The players understand adversity is inevitable, and they've experienced it in almost every imaginable form this year: season-ending injuries in the preseason (running back Jewel Hampton, cornerback Jordan Bernstine); key losses during nonconference play (left tackle Bryan Bulaga, tight end Tony Moeaki, wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos); the flu spreading through the team last week; and numerous third-and-long situations in Saturday's game.

And every time, the Hawkeyes have had an answer.

"We don't expect the worst, but we don't expect anything to be easy," said quarterback Ricky Stanzi, the poster boy for the team's resilient play this season. "It doesn't get any easier from here on out. There's a bunch of good teams we've got to play, so we can't hang our hats on the ranking, a number, or anything like that."

Iowa fans can hang their hats on these numbers.

After Ohio State's loss to Purdue, Iowa is clearly the No. 1 team in the Big Ten and Sunday will enter the top 10 in the polls. The Hawkeyes are riding an 11-game win streak, the second longest in the country, and have reached the midpoint of arguably the toughest conference road slate in the country.

"The more we win, the higher we become ranked, the more teams are going to target us," Johnson-Koulianos said. "As we win more, the stakes are going to be raised."

The stakes were raised Saturday, and the Hawkeyes repeatedly came through with their backs to the wall.

Wisconsin's aggressive defense racked up a whopping 13 tackles for loss, but almost all of them occurred on first or second down. Iowa converted four third downs of four yards or longer in the second half, including a third-and-13 as Stanzi found tight end Tony Moeaki for 27 yards.

Stanzi and Moeaki hooked up for a 24-yard touchdown strike to tie the score midway through the third quarter. Predictably, the play took place on third-and-7. Iowa's repeated conversions eventually took a toll on the Badgers defenders.

"They die a little bit inside," Hawkeyes wideout Trey Stross said.

Iowa, meanwhile, seems to draw life from the toughest situations, perhaps because they've been in so many this season.

"I love third downs," Johnson-Koulianos said. "It's my favorite down because of the sense of urgency, how huge they become in the game. I love third-and-13. I love third-and-24 -- that's my favorite."

Ferentz disagrees, but he loves what he saw from his defense after a rough start.

Wisconsin bulldozed Iowa for 10 early points behind running back John Clay, but the Hawkeyes didn't allow a point for the final 38:09. Clay didn't look the same after a right ankle injury in the second quarter, but he didn't have much room to run, either. Cornerback Amari Spievey recorded two interceptions, and linebacker A.J. Edds had a huge second half for the Hawkeyes.

Iowa's best stand came after its only major mistake, a Stanzi fumble at the Hawkeyes' 25-yard line. With the game still knotted at 10-10, the Hawkeyes didn't allow a first down and Wisconsin missed a field goal.

"Our job is to put the fire out," said linebacker Pat Angerer, who led Iowa with nine tackles, a sack and a pass breakup. "It's as simple as that. We just said, 'We're back out here, we might as well stop them.'"

Sounds like a motto.

Since the Hawkeyes are winning games, they might as well keep it up.

"We're going to win how we win," Johnson-Koulianos said. "A W's a W."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi has been a black-and-gold piñata for much of the season, taking whacks from both fans and critics seemingly every time he steps on the field.

	AP Photo/Andy Manis
	Iowa quarterback Ricky Stanzi silenced some critics Saturday.

It isn't easy to find faults with an Iowa team boasting a perfect record, a never-quit attitude and a playmaking defense, but Stanzi has been an easy target. He plays the most visible position on the field and has made the most visible mistakes, namely eight interceptions, three of which were returned for touchdowns.

Quarterbacks are judged on wins and losses, but Stanzi had caveats attached to his record. Iowa won games in spite of him, many claimed.

But on Saturday, the piñata struck back, and Wisconsin's defenders absorbed the blows in a 20-10 loss. Stanzi turned in his cleanest performance of the season and certainly his best half, rallying Iowa from a 10-0 deficit to maintain the nation's second-longest win streak.

"He probably broke the streak of having something easy to pick on," head coach Kirk Ferentz said, before adding, "but I'm sure we'll find something."

There was a third-quarter fumble and a few errant throws, but for the most part, Stanzi was the Manzi for Iowa. He converted four huge third downs in the second half, including a third-and-13 and a third-and-7.

Stanzi completed 17 of 23 passes for 218 yards and a touchdown in the game. Most importantly, he didn't throw an interception for the first time since the season opener Sept. 5 against Northern Iowa.

"I guess the pick-sixes are overshadowing his performances," said wide receiver Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, who led Iowa with eight catches for 113 yards. "But the kid, he's so poised. He understands the importance of maintaining his poise throughout the game."

Ferentz has called poise Stanzi's best attribute, but the junior is getting pretty good at long passes, too. On third-and-7 from Wisconsin's 24-yard line, Stanzi avoided a defender, rolled to his right and lofted a perfect pass to tight end Tony Moeaki in the end zone to tie the score at 10-10.

"We thought they were coming on a full-out blitz, and they only brought one of the guys," Stanzi said. "I was looking for a hot route, it wasn't there, so I rolled out and Tony was running down the field. It was a one-on-one situation and you'd like to think he can make the play."

Forget about pick-six-Rick. After Saturday's performance, Stanzi deserves to be viewed in one way only -- as the starting quarterback of an undefeated Iowa team that has shown more resiliency than any team in America, rallying from deficits in six of its seven victories.

Period.

"He represents Iowa football," Johnson-Koulianos said. "He's not a flashy guy, doesn't talk much, but he works hard behind closed doors and he wins ballgames.

"That's what this program's all about."

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Opportunistic defense and clutch plays on offense helped Iowa rally from another deficit to preserve its perfect record at 7-0.

The Hawkeyes retained the Heartland Trophy, won in Madison for the third time in their last four tries and extended the nation's second-longest win streak to 11 games. Defenders Pat Angerer and Adrian Clayborn were fabulous, and quarterback Ricky Stanzi and his wide receivers/tight ends heated up in the second half. For the second time this season, Iowa rallied from a 10-0 deficit on the road to win big.

Wisconsin once again couldn't turn a dominant first half into a comfortable lead, and quarterback Scott Tolzien made way too many mistakes in the second half.

The Hawkeyes are now the team to beat in the Big Ten and can set their sights on the Rose Bowl and possibly more.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin might set an NCAA record for tackles for loss in a defeat, as Iowa continues to overcome long-yardage situations.

The Hawkeyes latest gem took place on third-and-13, as Ricky Stanzi and tight end Tony Moeaki hooked up yet again for a 27-yard completion despite pass interference by Wisconsin. Moeaki has been a huge factor in the second half (3 catches 55 yards, TD) as Iowa has scored 20 unanswered points to lead 20-10.

Even after facing second-and-22, Iowa inched close enough for a long field-goal attempt, which Daniel Murray drilled. Murray is looking like the most confident kicker in the Big Ten right now.

If things hold up, Iowa will be the Big Ten's top team and in the driver's seat for the Rose Bowl and possibly more.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Iowa's offense hasn't been a work of art in this game, but the Hawkeyes are saving their best for third down.

Quarterback Ricky Stanzi's ability to convert third downs is keeping momentum on Iowa's side early in the fourth quarter. After converting just 1 of 6 on third down in the opening half, Iowa moved the chains on all five of its third-down chances in the third quarter.

The Hawkeyes patience paid off as they took their first lead at 17-10 following an Adam Robinson touchdown run. Wisconsin's defense is starting to look a bit tired after struggling to get off the field.

I know I've written it many times, but Iowa's resiliency has been amazing this season.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- After watching Iowa capitalize on its own miscue, Wisconsin couldn't return the favor.

For the second straight game, the Badgers have controlled the tempo most of the way, but they're not getting rewarded on the scoreboard. Still, I'm continually impressed with Wisconsin freshman linebacker Chris Borland, who has been one of the big stories on defense since his arrival this summer.

Borland forced a Ricky Stanzi fumble that teammate O'Brien Schofield pounced on. It appears as though Badgers leading tackler Mike Taylor won't be back from a leg injury, so Borland will be a huge factor down the stretch.

Wisconsin's defense has recorded a ton of tackles for loss in this game. Very impressed with the front seven.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- The quarterback matchup figured to be critical in this game, and Iowa's Ricky Stanzi just won Round 1.

Stanzi, whose interceptions have been a problem for Iowa this season, capitalized on a pick from counterpart Scott Tolzien and led Iowa on an impressive scoring drive. The Hawkeyes junior quarterback converted three third downs, including two third-and-longs, and made an incredible throw to tight end Tony Moeaki in the back of the end zone to tie the score.

Moeaki, a nonfactor in the first half, can be an enormous weapon for Stanzi and the offense in the second half. He snuck behind Wisconsin's Antonio Fenelus and made a great catch on a perfect pass from Stanzi, who has avoided a major mistake so far.

Tolzien, meanwhile, needs to rebound after a horrible throw that could have been picked off by two Hawkeyes defenders and was secured by cornerback Amari Spievey.

Iowa has all the momentum right now and could be putting together another come-from-behind win.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Instant analysis from halftime at Camp Randall Stadium, where Wisconsin leads Iowa 10-3.

Turning point: After a miscue by punt returner David Gilreath pinned Wisconsin deep, the Badgers pounded away at Iowa's defense on an 11-play, 92-yard scoring drive that took 4:59. Running backs John Clay and Montee Ball both found openings, and quarterback Scott Tolzien completed 4 of 5 pass attempts, using play-action very well.

Best player in the half: Clay has exhibited both power and patience for Wisconsin, gaining 69 yards on 14 carries. He could end up wearing down the Hawkeyes after halftime. Honorable mentions go to Badgers defensive end O'Brien Schofield (2 TFLs) and Iowa defensive end Adrian Clayborn (sack, 2 TFLs).

What Iowa needs to do: Attack Wisconsin down the field with its wide receivers and tight end Tony Moeaki, who has been a nonfactor. Ricky Stanzi hit Derrell Johnson-Koulianos for a 34-yard gain, setting up Iowa's only score. There are openings in the deep middle, and the Iowa run game is going nowhere. The Hawkeyes also need to be durable against Clay.

What Wisconsin needs to do: Keep pounding away with Clay but don't abandon the play-action pass, which has been valuable. The game plan has worked well so far, but the Badgers can't afford major mistakes like they had last week.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin defensive end O'Brien Schofield leads the nation in tackles for loss, and it's easy to see why.

Despite double and triple teams, Schofield already has two tackles for loss, throwing Iowa's Adam Robinson to the ground on an odd third-and-6 run. His speed seems to be giving Iowa's tackles a ton of problems.

Iowa's defense has also turned things up a notch, as end Adrian Clayborn recorded his fourth sack of the season. I'm still trying to figure out why Wisconsin played backup quarterback Curt Phillips for a series after Scott Tolzien settled into a nice rhythm. The Badgers offense looks a bit out of sync now.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin just put together the type of drive that inspires an offense and deflates a defense.

The Badgers continued to punish Iowa's defensive line, much like Michigan did late in last week's game, and running backs John Clay and Montee Ball took advantage. Clay got the Badgers in Iowa territory before leaving the game after being bent back awkwardly on a tackle.

But Ball didn't miss a beat, running it in from 10 yards out behind a great block from tight end Lance Kendricks. Clay, who appears to be fine, was the first to congratulate him.

Wisconsin also did a great job of mixing in play-action passes during the 11-play, 92-yard drive.

You don't see too many teams do that to Iowa, which needs quarterback Ricky Stanzi to start making plays soon.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Camp Randall Stadium fell silent as Wisconsin star running back John Clay stayed on the turf after being bent back awkwardly on an 8-yard run.

But after several minutes, Clay got up and walked off the field. He's standing up on the sideline and appears to be OK. Hugh sigh of relief for the Badgers.

Freshman Montee Ball is in the game now for Wisconsin, which has done a good job up front of dictating tempo.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- For the second straight game, Wisconsin is dominating possession time and feeding running back John Clay on almost every play.

Last Saturday, the Badgers made too many major mistakes to get rewarded for their good game plan. We'll see what happens this week.

Clay recorded 10 carries for 58 yards in the first quarter, as Wisconsin's offensive line is creating running room for him. The sophomore already has three carries for more than 10 yards as the Badgers pound away at Iowa's front four. Wisconsin held the ball for 8:47 of the opening period.

Iowa's defense has done enough to keep Wisconsin out of the end zone, and the Badgers lead is only 3-0. But you have to wonder if Clay will wear down the Hawkeyes over time.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Both Wisconsin and Iowa are making some nice defensive adjustments so far in this one.

On Iowa's first drive, the Hawkeyes did an effective job of taking Wisconsin star defensive end O'Brien Schofield out of the picture. The Hawkeyes repeatedly assigned multiple linemen to block Schofield and created some running room for Adam Robinson. But other Wisconsin players started to take advantage of the gaps, and linebackers Jaevery McFadden and Chris Borland made nice stops.

Wisconsin went to bruising back John Clay on its first five offensive plays, and the sophomore found some huge holes at first. But Iowa did a better job of filling gaps later in the drive and linebacker Pat Angerer clocked quarterback Scott Tolzien on a well-executed blitz.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin junior running back Zach Brown, who was ruled out for the game earlier this week because of a concussion, went through warmups in full pads.

Brown has started five of the Badgers' six games this season, though teammate John Clay is regarded as the featured back. Brown sustained the concussion last week against Ohio State.

We'll see if he plays, but he looked OK before the game. Clay is expected to start with Montee Ball serving as the backup.

On a lighter note, Wisconsin law students conducted an annual tradition before today's homecoming game. They ran across the field and threw wooden canes through the goal posts. The belief is those who split the uprights will win their first cases in the courtroom.

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

MADISON, Wis. -- Greetings from Camp Randall Stadium, site of today's homecoming clash between No. 11 Iowa and Wisconsin.

At 6-0, Iowa is off to its best start since 1985 and carries the nation's second-longest win streak (10 games) into today's contest. The Hawkeyes won last year's game 38-16 in Iowa City to claim the Heartland Trophy.

In a truly amazing statistic, the all-time series is tied at 41-41-2. Wisconsin has a 26-17-1 edge in games played in Madison, though Iowa has won two of its last three games at Camp Randall Stadium.

The weather is perfect, with mostly sunny skies, temperatures in the mid 40s and winds at 8-10 mph.

Injuries: Iowa will be playing its first game without punt and kick returner Paul Chaney Jr., who suffered a season-ending ACL injury last week. Wisconsin running back Zach Brown, who opened the season as the starter, is out with a concussion. Badgers backup right guard Bill Nagy is still fighting a foot injury.

THREE QUICK KEYS FOR IOWA

1. Block O'Brien Schofield -- No one has succeeded this season, and Schofield leads the nation with 16.5 tackles for loss and leads the Big Ten with 6.5 sacks. But Iowa has a good chance to slow down the Badgers' star defensive end with stout offensive tackles Kyle Calloway and Bryan Bulaga.

2. Pick spots to attack -- Wisconsin's defense is extremely opportunistic but will give up big plays from time to time. Iowa's Ricky Stanzi threw the deep ball very well last week and should use tight end Tony Moeaki as much as possible. Stanzi obviously must be careful with his decisions, especially on shorter routes, as interceptions are his bugaboo.

3. Hold the ground against Clay -- Iowa's run defense struggled in the second half last week against Michigan's Brandon Minor and Denard Robinson. Wisconsin's bruising back John Clay often does his best work after halftime, so the Hawkeyes' durability on defense will be tested.

THREE KEYS FOR WISCONSIN

1. Pound away with Clay -- Michigan had success last week with Minor when it went to a conventional I-formation in the third quarter. Wisconsin needs to keep pounding away with Clay and hope to wear down the middle of the Hawkeyes defense. If not, quarterback Scott Tolzien will have to make some tough throws against an Iowa defense filled with playmakers.

2. Make Stanzi win the game -- Stanzi has been very resilient this year, but Iowa is also largely winning games in spite of his mistakes. Wisconsin must take away the run and force Stanzi to win a tough road game. The Badgers have nine interceptions from seven different players, and they can capitalize on mistakes from the opposing quarterback.

3. Don't get killed in special teams -- Special teams are certainly a weakness for Wisconsin and a strength for Iowa, even without Chaney. In a game that likely will be decided by one or two miscues, the Badgers can't afford another breakdown in special teams after allowing a long kick return for a touchdown last week at Ohio State.