Iowa
Iowa exploits flaws on both sides of the ball, leaves Wisconsin football coach Luke Fickell ‘dumbfounded’ by loss
MADISON – Luke Fickell stood in front of the media after a loss at Alabama a few weeks ago and talked about the need for him to stay positive with his young team.
And while there is a need for that from the coach more than ever, the reality is that these are dark days for the Wisconsin Badgers football program.
Its 37-0 loss to Iowa on Saturday Oct. 11 at Camp Randall Stadium was the Badgers’ fourth straight loss this season and eighth straight Big Ten defeat dating to last year.
The outcome was stunning because UW had this game circled on the schedule. The team was humbled in a 42-10 loss in Iowa City last year. The Hawkeyes’ visit to Camp Randall was supposed to be a day of atonement. Instead, the Badgers lost by an even larger margin while suffering their first shutout at the hands of the Hawkeyes since 1996.
Overall the game marked the first time Wisconsin was shut out since a 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game in 2014.
The loss left Fickell in search of answers.
“I apologized to our guys to not have them ready, to not have them ready,” he said. “I’m dumbfounded in a lot of ways.”
Badgers offense equals season-low 209 total yards
The team’s struggles on offense once again made the game difficult for the rest of the team.
The Badgers faced the 113th-ranked offense in the nation and made the game easy for it with three turnvers during the first 16 minutes. As a result, Iowa needed to gain only 46 yards to score 17 of its first 20 points.
The UW defense, which allowed 329 rushing yards to the Hawkeyes last season, allowed just 210 this time. That total, however, is deceiving. Iowa’s 5.8 yards per carry compared to the 6.1 yards it averaged against the Badgers last season shows a performance very comparable to a year ago.
That said, the UW’s three early turnovers didn’t give the team a chance.
Anyone who has watched the Badgers this season knew that a deficit of that magnitude would be very difficult to overcome. The Badgers haven’t scored more than twice in three previous games. And in each of those contests that second score came late in the fourth quarter, long after the game was decided and the opponent began pulling key players.
“Not that you can go back and change it, but I hope and believe that had that not started the way it did (with) the turnovers, at least it would have been a hell of a lot different game,” Fickell said. “I’m not saying they’re not a better team than we are. I just think that it’s not fair that we were not able to put ourselves in a position where we could make it a damn football game.”
QB Hunter Simmons’ turnovers were debilitating
Southern Illinois transfer Hunter Simmons finished the night with 82 yards on 8-for-21 passing and the dubious distinction of having two passes picked off by defensive linemen.
The first came off a pass deflected by defensive end Brian Allen and caught with a diving effort by Bryce Hawthrone at the UW 24 with 3 minutes 52 seconds to go in the first quarter. Defensive tackle Aaron Graves got the second interception when he dropped into coverage and right into the path of Simmons’ throw to Vinny Anthony. Graves returned the pick 35 yards to the Badgers 1 at the 1:45 mark of the first quarter.
Simmons’ third turnover, a lateral he threw with the defense bearing down on him, gave Iowa a first down at the Badgers’ 28 50 seconds into the second quarter.
Turnovers at the QB position by Danny O’Neil and now Simmons have put the Badgers in tough spots this season.
One of the beauties of first-year offensive coordinator Jeff Grimes’ offense is its ability to be productive without high-level quarterback play. That hasn’t come to fruition yet at Wisconsin, which has been hit with the injury of Billy Edwards (sprained knee) at the position and erratic play of backups O’Neil and Simmons. The Badgers’ 209 total yards Saturday equaled a season low and marked their fourth straight game with fewer than 300.
“This is not going to be an easy fix,” Fickell said. “Pound the rock is the idea. Something has to break at some point and time. I’m not going to say tonight was an opportunity for that, but every night, every Saturday is an opportunity for that and it did not happen tonight.”
UW’s woes come as once-struggling Big Ten programs thrive
As far as bad losses go, add this to a list that in the Fickell era that includes the 20-14 loss at Indiana in 2023, setbacks in 2024 to Iowa, Nebraska and Minnesota and losses to Alabama, Maryland and Iowa this year.
Wisconsin’s poor performances are coming at a time when once-struggling programs such as Indiana and Illinois are thriving. UCLA has wins over Penn State and at Michigan State since firing DeShaun Foster. Northwestern upset Penn State on the road Saturday.
While the Badgers made improvements to elements of their roster, the results show that they have not outpaced what other teams are doing.
The situation leaves Fickell with a 15-17 record at Wisconsin facing the biggest challenge of his career and little reason to believe change is around the corner. Opportunity, however, knocks the next two weeks when UW hosts No. 1 Ohio State on Oct. 18 and travels to No. 2 Oregon on Oct. 25.
Saturday night the coach was asked if he believed he can turn around the program.
“There is nothing I can say out here publically that is any different. What matters is what is said in that (locker) room,” Fickell said. “I don’t fault you for asking. I don’t think people should think anything different, but the truth of the mattter is this is not an easy fix and we’ve got a hell of a long way to go.”
Fort Dodge Donnybrook champion Dru Ayala
Hear why Fort Dodge’s Donnybrook Champion Dru Ayala, brother of Drake Ayala, chose the Hawkeyes and has unfinished business in high school
Iowa State wrestling has added another lightweight through the transfer portal, earning the commitment of former Hawkeye Dru Ayala on Wednesday, May 13.
Ayala has been with the Hawkeyes for two seasons, with an 11-4 record as a true freshman and not competing in 2025-26. The 125-pounder will have at least three years of eligibility remaining.
“Grateful for where I’ve been, excited for where I’m going. Go Cyclones,” Ayala said in an Instagram post.
Before his time in Iowa, Ayala was a four-time state medalist with Fort Dodge. He made the state semifinals all four years and had a 153-16 record. He is the brother of former Hawkeye wrestler Drake Ayala, who recently accepted a position as an assistant coach with the Cyclones.
Iowa State has had multiple major departures with Anthony Echemendia, Christian Castillo, Daniel Herrera and others heading to the transfer portal. As a result, the Cyclones have been busy adding to the roster, with Dru Ayala joining Ayden Smith (Rutgers), Brayden Thompson (Oklahoma State) and Rin Sakamoto (Oklahoma State).
Eli McKown covers high school sports and wrestling for the Des Moines Register. Contact him at Emckown@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter at @EMcKown23.
Here are the top 2026 midterm races to follow in Iowa
Des Moines Register Chief Politics Reporter Brianne Pfannenstiel breaks down Iowa’s top races ahead of the 2026 midterms.
Two candidates are running for the Iowa House District 22 seat encompassing Norwalk, Carlisle, Cumming and Martensdale.
First-term Republican Rep. Samantha Fett faces a challenge from Democrat Rory Taylor, who she defeated in 2024 to fill the open seat.
Both candidates are unopposed for their party’s nomination.
To help voters, the Des Moines Register sent questions to all federal, statewide and Des Moines area legislative candidates running for political office this year. Their answers have been lightly edited for length and clarity.
The primary election is scheduled for June 2.
Click below to see learn more about the candidates and where they stand on key issues:
| Bios | Top issue | Education | Taxes | Cancer rates | Eminent domain | Budget deficits |
- Political party: Republican.
- Age: 46.
- Residence: Carlisle.
- Occupation: Marketing and communications director for Inspired Life Inc.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Drake University.
- Political experience: Moms for Liberty – Warren County, Carlisle School Board member 2019-2021, Warren County Central Committee member, Capitol Region Republican Women, Iowa Federation of Republican Women, National Federation of Republican Women.
Who is Rory Taylor?
- Political party: Democrat.
- Age: 65.
- Residence: Norwalk.
- Occupation: Retired.
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in history, minor in political science, Iowa State University.
- Political experience: Bevington City Council.
Fett (R): My top issue is strengthening Iowa’s education system. I believe parents should have a leading voice in their children’s education because families want meaningful options. I support high academic standards, safe learning environments and policies that protect children while ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. I will work on policies that continue to focus on all students reaching their potential through measurable, objective achievements and by expanding and enhancing the supply of creative education. Education shapes the next generation, and it remains my highest priority.
Taylor (D): Water quality in our state. We need to increase monitoring the water sources we use for our drinking water. Our nitrate levels are in direct correlation to our cancer rates in the state. We need to work with our farmers to mitigate the problem, not blame them for it!
Taylor (D): We need to restructure the voucher program. Students with financial needs could be accommodated, but not the wealthiest of our population. We need to provide more funding for our AEAs and improvement in teacher pay. Bring back our industrial arts programs.
Fett (R): I support policies that put students and families first. That includes strengthening parental rights, expanding educational options and making sure all education models — public schools, homeschool, private and public charter schools — can succeed. I also support a balanced approach to digital learning, since excessive screen time can affect attention and academic progress. I believe Iowa should set developmentally appropriate limits on digital instruction and prioritize strong foundational skills like reading, writing and real classroom connection so every student has the opportunity to thrive.
Fett (R): I support Iowa’s recent tax changes because the state was collecting far more than it needed. With full reserves, a $2 billion ending balance, and over $4 billion in the Taxpayer Relief Fund, returning money to Iowans is the responsible choice. The 3.8% rate keeps Iowa competitive, and temporary revenue dips were planned for. Looking ahead, I would support additional tax law changes that continue this philosophy: keeping government efficient, ensuring strong reserves and returning excess dollars to taxpayers.
Taylor (D): I do not support all the tax changes. I believe moving Iowa’s tax structure for both corporate and income to be more progressive. This would raise taxes on corporations, higher-income individuals and lower taxes on lower-income individuals.
Taylor (D): Water quality standards: Strengthen, enforce and monitor water quality standards to reduce carcinogens like nitrates and PFAS from agricultural runoff.
Fett (R): I support practical, targeted actions that reduce known risks and strengthen research. Iowa is a major radon hotspot, and radon exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer. House File 2297 is an important step requiring passive radon mitigation. A cost-effective protection helps ensure families aren’t unknowingly exposed to dangerous levels. I support the pediatric cancer research bill, which provides dedicated funding to advance research and improve outcomes for Iowa children. This investment and reducing environmental risks give Iowa a stronger and more effective path to lowering cancer rates. Chemical regulation: Improve monitoring of pesticides and fertilizer application, ensuring public health is central to agricultural policy. Radon mitigation: Fund widespread radon testing. Protect Medicaid expansion, which supports cancer screening and care for over 180,000 Iowans. HPV vaccine access: Protect access to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to prevent future cancer.
Fett (R): Protecting private property rights is essential. Based on that standard, I do not support using eminent domain for carbon capture pipelines, as these projects do not meet the threshold of traditional public use infrastructure and raise significant concerns for landowners. I have consistently opposed the misuse of eminent domain and will continue standing with Iowa landowners on this issue.
Taylor (D): Public projects, such as infrastructure (highways, bridges) and utilities. And as long as there is fair compensation and due process.
Taylor (D): Voucher program would be a start. And the tax cuts that have been made haven’t stimulated the economy as the Republican Party has suggested they would. I don’t see any other cuts I would suggest. The key is tax revenue, and what we have in place now isn’t working!
Fett (R): Iowa’s recent revenue dip was fully expected when income taxes were reduced. I support a disciplined, responsible approach to budgeting that ensures we fund key priorities like public schools, nursing homes and public safety while still allowing Iowans to keep more of what they earn. The Taxpayer Relief Fund was created specifically to manage temporary revenue decreases during tax reform, providing stability without jeopardizing essential services. My focus is on maintaining disciplined budgeting so Iowa continues meeting its obligations without over taxing families.
Read more about the midterm candidates at: https://www.desmoinesregister.com/news/elections/.
Marissa Payne covers the Iowa Statehouse and politics for the Register. Reach her by email at mjpayne@registermedia.com. Follow her on X at @marissajpayne.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — After a 65-year football coaching career, longtime NFL offensive coordinator Tom Moore’s most recent stop comes full circle — the University of Iowa.
Before Moore coached Hall of Fame receivers Lynn Swann and John Stallworth to Super Bowl titles in the late 1970s or guided quarterback Peyton Manning to multiple MVP awards, he played quarterback at Iowa in the 1950s and became a graduate assistant in 1961-62. Now, the 87-year-old Moore will work as a senior consultant to coach Kirk Ferentz and as an offensive adviser.
“I have known Tom Moore for over a decade and am thrilled that he has agreed to join our program in an advisory role,” Ferentz said in a statement. “Coach Moore has had a long and very successful career in football. He was a player at Iowa, coached at the collegiate level and spent many years working alongside Hall of Fame coaches in the National Football League. I am grateful that a four-time Super Bowl champion will share his wisdom and perspectives with us — coaches and players.”
Moore played for Hall of Fame coach Forest Evashevski and was a backup on the 1960 team that tied for the Big Ten title and was named national champion by three different outlets. Following his time as a graduate assistant, Moore spent two years in the United States Army before working for more than a decade as a college assistant. He moved to the NFL in 1977 as the Pittsburgh Steelers receivers coach and later as offensive coordinator under Chuck Noll.
Following stints with the Vikings, Lions and Saints, Moore became the Colts’ offensive coordinator in 1998, where he worked with Manning and helped Indianapolis reach two Super Bowls, winning one title. After stops with the Jets, Titans and Cardinals, Moore spent the last seven years as an offensive consultant with Tampa Bay, where he worked with Tom Brady to win another Super Bowl following the 2020 season.
Moore, who was an honorary team captain at Iowa for a game in 2018, has frequently spent time with the Iowa program and offered recommendations when attending practice. When current New York Giants running back Tyrone Tracy, at the time a wide receiver, carried the ball on the scout team, Moore suggested Tracy make a permanent position switch. Tracy declined the move until his final year at Purdue, and he has since led the Giants in rushing in his first two seasons in the NFL.
At Iowa, Moore will join his former Colts protégé, Jay Norvell, who coaches running backs. Norvell worked under Moore as wide receivers coach from 1998 until 2001.
“You talk about a guy that’s forgot more football than most people know,” Norvell said about Moore. “It’s just a complete blessing.”
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