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Wisconsin Badgers vs Iowa Hawkeyes: 5 players to watch on Saturday night

By Brian Sampson

MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Madison Cone #31 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts to a stop against the New Mexico Lobos during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - SEPTEMBER 08: Madison Cone #31 of the Wisconsin Badgers reacts to a stop against the New Mexico Lobos during the first half at Camp Randall Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /
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IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Kirk Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half against the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 15, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 15: Head coach Kirk Ferentz of the Iowa Hawkeyes during the first half against the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 15, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /

4. Kristian Welch

Kristian Welch isn’t a star by any means, but he is Iowa’s leading tackler through three games where he’s accrued 19 tackles and one sack. That comes despite only playing in two of their three contests.

Welch didn’t play much during his first two seasons at Iowa, only appearing in four games. However, he’s already making a name for himself this season, as he’s been flying all over the field. He’s racked up at least eight tackles in each of his two games.

The Badgers offensive line struggled to block BYU’s front, but that needs to change against Iowa. They must get off their blocks and get to the Hawkeyes’ second line of defense. If they are unable to get to the linebackers, players like Welch will have a huge day in slowing down Jonathan Taylor in the running game.

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