I think the Hawkeyes are going to give Wisconsin all they can handle in this B1G clash and have a very good shot at winning the game outright. I've never been of fan of Wisconsin quarterback Joel Stave and with Corey Clement out with injury, I think the Hawks actually have the better playmakers.
C.J. Beathard is nice quarterback with a live arm and is a definite upgrade over Rudock from last year. RB Jordan Canzeri is shifty and fast, unlike the typical plodders at Iowa, and Tevaun Smith gives them a legit threat at wideout.
Defensively, Iowa has held their ground against opponents' rushing attacks, allowing only 84 yards a game. Against Wisky, if you can at least slow the run, you give yourself a chance.
Wisconsin has a stout defense in their own right, but outside of their opening game, they really haven't been faced with any sort of challenge... and they got throttled in that game by an Alabama team which isn't exactly the typical Bama juggernaut.
I think these two teams match up very well and the oddsmakers are being a bit generous with the points, probably based on the Wisconsin "brand" and the perception that they are of a higher class. I like the overall moxie of this Iowa team, and, like I said, would not be surprised at all if they come out with the win.
Iowa Hawkeyes +6.5 to the bank.