Iowa’s defense will have its hands full this week against Wisconsin, but the unit has done a good job of limiting big plays this season.

According to Sport Source Analytics, the Hawkeye defense leads the nation in preventing runs of 12+ yards this season. So far, Iowa has allowed just eight rushing plays of 12+ yards all season long. The next best defense is Utah who has allowed 10.

That rushing stat should come in handy against Jonathan Taylor, Wisconsin’s superstar running back. Taylor has already rushed for over 1,000 yards this season with 15 touchdowns.

It’s also worth noting Iowa was fairly successful against Taylor when the two schools faced off in 2018. In that game, the Hawkeyes limited Taylor to 113 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per carry. That was Taylor’s third-worst output in a game and second-worst yards per carry in a game for the season. Wisconsin still won that game 28-17.

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Obviously, a big game for Taylor would be tough for the Hawkeyes to overcome, but the defense appears ready for a challenge. Can Iowa rise to the occasion?