After a disappointing loss to Purdue, the Iowa Hawkeyes must beat Wisconsin to keep their College Football Playoff hopes alive. To do so, they’ll need Tyler Goodson to have a huge game.
How will the Iowa Hawkeyes running back fare this week against a tough Wisconsin defense? How does Goodson factor into the current college football odds? Read on to learn more about this week’s Big Ten matchup.
A Season Still Alive
A few weeks ago, the University of Iowa won a prime-time matchup against Penn State. That win catapulted Iowa to number two in the AP Poll.
Unfortunately, an upset loss to Purdue at home dropped Iowa in the polls. However, one upset loss doesn’t mean the end of the season. According to the pollsters at FiveThirtyEight, Iowa has a 13% chance of making the playoff.
That percentage improves with a win against Wisconsin and a possible conference championship.
Tyler Goodson Stats
Unlike Ole Miss or Pitt, Iowa doesn’t get wins with a dynamic offense. On the whole, Iowa’s offensive numbers are well below average. They rank 120th in total yards gained and 75th in points scored.
Iowa’s running game ranks 103rd in NCAA football, averaging 116.9 yards per game. Goodson’s per game contribution thus far is a slim 83.71 yards, and he’s averaging only 4.3 yards per carry.
A Smothering Wisconsin Defense
Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst first gained national prominence as the Badgers’ offensive coordinator. Known for his innovative philosophy, Chryst spent three seasons as Pitt’s head coach before returning to his alma mater.
Now in his seventh season as Badgers head coach, it’s not Chryst’s offense dominating college football. It’s his defense.
The Badgers rank second in total yards allowed, giving up a paltry 223 yards per game. Of those 223 yards, only 53.3 are on the ground.
Though the Badgers started the season 1-3, their surging defense propelled their current three-game winning streak.
Tough Sledding for the Road Dogs in Madison
Despite their top ten rankings, the Hawkeyes are currently +3.5 underdogs against Wisconsin. While a field goal line for a road team isn’t unthinkable, the hook indicates trouble.
Why? This week’s matchup doesn’t bode well for Tyler Goodson and Iowa. Goodson and the Hawkeyes offense struggles on the ground, and the Badgers stifle the run better than any other team in the NCAA.
I expect Wisconsin to stack the line and force Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras into making uncomfortable throws to generate offense. But, given the stats, I don’t think Goodson will touch his 83.71-yard average.
Tyler Goodson Will Struggle This Week
Even after a disappointing loss, the Iowa Hawkeyes remain in the AP Top Ten. Can they go on the road and beat a nasty Wisconsin defense?
Despite team success, 2021 hasn’t been a productive season for Tyler Goodson. Though there is time for him to redeem his season, I wouldn’t expect it against an elite defense like Wisconsin.
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