With all due respect to 3-0 Minnesota and its winning streak against lightweights New Mexico State, Fresno State and Miami of Ohio, there are really only two teams who look like they can win the Big Ten West. That would be Wisconsin (highly likely) and Iowa (much more likely than we thought a few weeks ago). Everyone else in the division is a dumpster fire right now.

The two teams meet Saturday night in Iowa City (7:30 p.m. CT; TV: FOX) and it’s not an understatement to say the division race could very well be determined on the first night of the conference season. It’s that important, which is why we have the bright prime-time lights and ticket prices that are going through the roof on the resale market. Yes, it’s a huge game.

Here are five things I want to see from the Hawkeyes on Saturday night against Wisconsin:

1. The improving offense shows something in a big game

Despite starting the season 3-0, we still have serious concerns about the Iowa offense, and with good reason. The two first halves against Northern Illinois and Iowa State were downright pathetic. There was much more consistency last week from start to finish, and the Hawkeyes were able to throw the ball (338 yards) and run the ball (207 yards) well.

Now comes Wisconsin’s stingy defense. Can the offense move the ball at all against them? Last week gave us hope that they are ready, That’s why you play three nonconference games in the first place, to get you ready for moments like this. Will the offense show up?

2. Iowa’s defense can dominate when they have to

The Hawkeyes have been great on defense. If you toss out the late fourth-quarter touchdowns in total garbage time, the starting defense has basically allowed only three points the entire season. That’s complete domination there.

The Hawkeyes need to keep it going against Wisconsin. BYU gave us the blueprint last week in its upset of Iowa in Madison, and the Hawkeyes will need to do the same thing, stay stout on the line of scrimmage and not let Wisconsin running back Jonathan Taylor go wild. That’s easier said than done, of course, because he already has 515 yards rushing in three games, but the challenge starts there.

3. Nate Stanley proves he’s a big-time QB on a big stage

Quarterback Nate Stanley finally had his breakout game last week, passing for 309 and two touchdowns. Even more importantly, he looked sharp doing it, completing 23 of 28 passes and finding the right guy through his progressions most of the night.

Stanley came into the season regarded as the Big Ten’s most NFL-ready quarterback, and we saw a lot of that last Saturday. Now we need to see it against Wisconsin on a huge stage. He has a nice connection with his wide receivers, and tight end Noah Fant needs to have a huge game against the Badgers. The Hawkeyes need this offense to find at least 21 points Saturday night.

4. The running game converts on third-and-short all night

Keeping drives alive and keeping Wisconsin’s offense off the field is probably the most important factor in this game. If the Hawkeyes can reel off a few 10-play or 12-play drives and finish them off with touchdowns instead of field goals, then they’ve got a legitimate chance to win this game.

The spotlight will shine brightly on Iowa’s offensive line, and the big guys have to carve out some space on those third-and-short situations. Wisconsin’s defense is very good, and they’re smarting after getting embarrassed last week against BYU. They will surely be chomping at the bit on Saturday night.

5. The fans make it so loud to be a factor in this game

There’s a ton of impact a home crowd can have on a football game, and Hawkeyes fans need to show up in full-throat Saturday night. They need to be loud so it’s hard for Wisconsin’s offense to communicate, especially on third downs when audibles are more prevalent. They also need to be supportive, because that extra juice does indeed help the players still confident and pumped-up.

It should be a special night in Iowa City. Let’s hope the game matches the hype.