If you walked into Kinnick Stadium on November 2nd expecting the usual 10-7 "Big Ten West" slog, you were sorely mistaken. Most people think of this rivalry as a defensive stalemate where the punter is the MVP. Not this time. The Iowa vs Wisconsin 2024 matchup turned into a statement game that sent shockwaves through both programs, and frankly, it wasn't even as close as the 42-10 final score might suggest.
Iowa didn't just win. They bullied a Wisconsin team that looked lost for three straight quarters.
The Brendan Sullivan Shift That Changed Everything
Kirk Ferentz isn't exactly known for mid-season radicalism. But the decision to start Brendan Sullivan over Cade McNamara was the spark this offense desperately needed. Sullivan isn't a world-beater through the air—he only went 7-for-10 for 93 yards. However, his legs changed the math.
Wisconsin's defense had to account for a mobile quarterback, and they failed miserably. Sullivan added 58 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. By simply being a threat to run, he opened up massive lanes for Kaleb Johnson.
Honestly, the Hawkeye offense looked... modern? Sorta. It was efficient and punishing.
Kaleb Johnson’s Record-Breaking Night
If you haven't been paying attention to Kaleb Johnson, you’re missing the best running back performance in Iowa City since Shonn Greene. Against the Badgers, Johnson was an absolute force. He carried the rock 24 times for 135 yards and three touchdowns.
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Those three scores weren't just about the scoreboard. They tied the Iowa single-season scoring record. He’s now sitting at 20 touchdowns for the year, matching the legendary 2008 campaign of Greene.
The Badgers knew he was coming. They stacked the box. It didn't matter. Johnson’s vision and contact balance made Wisconsin's linebackers look like they were skating on thin ice.
How the Scoring Broke Down
Wisconsin actually struck first with a field goal after a long 12-play drive. It looked like Luke Fickell’s squad might have some juice. Then the lights went out for the Badgers.
Iowa rattled off 28 unanswered points.
Sullivan punched in a 1-yarder. Johnson followed with a 16-yard burst. By the time Jacob Gill caught a 7-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter, the Heartland Trophy was already being polished for the Iowa display case. Wisconsin’s only touchdown came early in the fourth quarter—a 14-yard pass from Braedyn Locke to CJ Williams—but by then, the Hawkeye faithful were already celebrating.
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Why Wisconsin Should Be Worried
This wasn't just a loss for the Badgers; it was a total system failure. They were outgained on the ground 329 to 124. When a team known for "Wisconsin Football" gets doubled up in rushing yards, something is fundamentally broken.
Braedyn Locke struggled to find any rhythm against Phil Parker’s secondary. He finished 15-of-29 for 137 yards and a costly interception to Nick Jackson. That pick essentially sealed the game, setting up an Iowa touchdown just one play later.
Luke Fickell is trying to install a "Dairy Raid" or a more explosive offense, but right now, they have no identity. They can't out-muscle Iowa, and they aren't skilled enough to out-finesse them. It's a tough spot for a program that used to define Big Ten toughness.
Defensive Masterclass by the Hawkeyes
We have to talk about the Iowa defense. Holding any Big Ten opponent to 261 total yards is an achievement. Doing it to your biggest rival? That’s legendary.
Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson were everywhere. They combined to shut down Tawee Walker, who was limited to just 52 yards. When Wisconsin tried to get creative with freshman Darrion Dupree, the Hawkeyes swarmed.
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- Total Yards: Iowa 422, Wisconsin 261
- Rushing Yards: Iowa 329, Wisconsin 124
- First Downs: Iowa 23, Wisconsin 16
The discrepancy in the trenches was the real story of Iowa vs Wisconsin 2024. Iowa’s offensive line, which has been criticized for years, finally looked like the "Pro-Style" unit Ferentz always promises. They moved the line of scrimmage at will.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Both Teams
For Iowa, this win secured bowl eligibility and kept them in the hunt for a high-tier post-season placement. More importantly, it confirmed that the Brendan Sullivan era is officially here. The offense is no longer a liability; it's a complement to a top-tier defense.
For Wisconsin, the questions are getting louder. This was their third loss in four games against Iowa. The "gap" between these two programs, which used to favor Madison, has flipped entirely toward Iowa City. Fickell has a massive recruiting and developmental task ahead of him if he wants to compete in the new-look Big Ten.
If you're looking to track the progress of these two programs, keep an eye on the transfer portal this winter. Wisconsin needs playmakers who can handle physical man coverage, and Iowa needs to ensure they can keep Kaleb Johnson for one more run—though the NFL is likely calling his name very soon.
Check the upcoming schedule to see how Iowa handles their momentum into the final stretch of the season.