IOWA CITY, Iowa – The year 2020 has been beyond strange and unusual, so maybe this is the year Iowa finally defeats Wisconsin again in football.

Iowa has lost four games in a row to the Badgers, and seven of the last eight games overall in the series.

It’s hard to even call this border rivalry a rivalry with it being so one-sided.

But that could change on Saturday because the circumstances seem to work to Iowa’s advantage.

Wisconsin is only 2-2 after having had three games canceled due to health concerns with the COVID-19 global pandemic.

The Badgers also aren’t as dominant on the ground this season compared to most other seasons, so maybe they’re vulnerable.

The COVID-19 global pandemic continues to disrupt the Big Ten season with two more games cancelled this week, including the annual showdown between Ohio State and Michigan. The Indiana-Purdue game also has been canceled.

 

Pat Harty’s picks

Iowa 24, Wisconsin 20: Barry Alvarez will coach the second half on an interim basis after the Badgers fall behind early.

Northwestern 28, Illinois 23: Is this a game in which a former head coach for the Chicago Bears competes against the next head coach for the Chicago Bears? Probably not, because why would Pat Fitzgerald subject himself to that when he’s treated like a king at Northwestern?

Nebraska 31, Minnesota 27: After winning back-to-back games, Scott Frost is given a life-time contract with a 100 percent buyout, with free housing, free transportation, free food and the freedom to do and say whatever he wants.

Penn State 35, Michigan State 20: James Franklin gives himself the game ball afterwards for putting his players in the right position to execute.

Maryland 38, Rutgers 34: If Greg Schiano ever has any doubts about returning to coach at Rutgers, pay day should help to erase them.

Michigan at Ohio State: Canceled

Purdue at Indiana: Canceled.

 

Tyler Devine’s picks

Iowa 10, Wisconsin 7: With snow likely in Iowa City, Kirk Ferentz gets into the holiday spirit, flying into Kinnick Stadium on a sleigh in full Santa Claus garb.

Northwestern 34, Illinois 30: Lovie Smith spends pregame warmups warning Pat Fitzgerald about the Chicago Bears head coaching job.

Minnesota 27, Nebraska 21: Picking Nebraska to lose has gone well for me so far.

Penn State 23, Michigan State 10: James Franklin throws several Michigan State players under the bus when describing how his team won.

Maryland 41, Rutgers 28: Anyone else often forget that these two teams are part of the Big Ten?

Michigan at Ohio State: Canceled

Purdue at Indiana: Canceled.