Bucky's Steakhouse

Paul Bunyan's Axe is the only rivalry trophy that comes to mind when you're talking Wisconsin football for most fans. The Heartland Trophy not so much. Probably because for the last two seasons the giant bull has been in Iowa City.

The Badgers have only held the trophy for two seasons since the trophy was brought into the rivalry in 2004. And after the new divisions have been released if Bucky can't bring it home this year...it may be a while until it comes back.

To bring back the Heartland Trophy the Badgers need to do just one thing...stop Ricky Stanzi. In games that Iowa has lost it has been Ricky Stanzi who struggled. Last season Stanzi threw 15 interceptions while throwing for 17 touchdowns. By no means an overally impressive statistic for a quarterback that plays for a team with conference championship aspirations.

The key on offense is to take away the passing game, and make the Hawkeye offense beat you on the ground. Last season in Madison it was Stanzi who in the end beat the Badgers. While Stanzi only threw for one touchdown, he did rack up 218 yards in the air last season.

In terms of the Hawkeye defense, expect them to be stingy again this season. Iowa usually fields a strong defense and this year's unity should be no different, but there are always weaknesses. Last season the Hawkeyes allowed 123 yards per game on the ground, but only gave up 87 to Wisconsin.

Their run defense can obviously be exploited, and don't expect them to get the best of John Clay again this year. In last year's game Clay only racked up 87 yards on 21 carries, and this year he should be poised for a bigger game in Iowa City.

If Clay is able to have a solid day, that should open up the passing game for the Badgers. Using play action pass Wisconsion should be able to exploit the Hawkeyes cheating secondary. Don't be too surprised if you see a big Tolzein to Toon connection at some point in this game.

Another key to the offense in this game will be Lance Kendricks. Using Kendricks to move the sticks and keep the defense fresh on the sidelines is a major key in this game. If Kendricks comes out with his game face on and puts up good numbers the game should be come easier for the Badgers.

While all of that sounds like a lot needs to go right for Bucky...it really isn't. That should be the Badgers recipe for success this season in pretty much every game. Control the clock, move the chains, and play tough defense. All of that combined should mean a close Badger victory in Iowa City, and a lot of steak for Bucky in the next two years. See you 2012 Herky.

Boynton's Badgers Prediction: Badgers 21 Hawkeyes 17