Wisconsin football: Paul Chryst previews Iowa matchup

MADISON — Two days removed from their disappointing overtime loss to Ohio State, the Wisconsin Badgers have moved on to their first of three rivalry games this season.

On Saturday, the Badgers (4-2, 1-2 Big Ten) face the Iowa Hawkeyes (5-2, 3-1) at Kinnick Stadium in a battle to regain the Heartland Trophy and, most importantly, stay on track with undefeated Nebraska and Kirk Ferentz’s squad.

"This week, I really am looking forward getting back to the group," head coach Paul Chryst said during Monday’s press conference. "We had a bunch of kids come through [Sunday]—that was their their day off. Today, we’re going full tilt on preparation for Iowa.

"They’re playing well, and we know going down there it’s going to be a heck of a game. We just need to have a great week of preparation, and we get to go play Saturday."

Here are some quick highlights from Monday’s press conference:

• Is the talent still there on Iowa’s team that went 12-0 last season? "Absolutely." Chryst specifically praised quarterback C.J. Beathard.

• Chryst complimented Wisconsin’s offensive line performance against Ohio State, noting how a tricky variable each week is an opponent with different schemes and flows of the game.

• The Badgers will see how the week goes with senior outside linebacker Vince Biegel, who has been sidelined since the Michigan State game following minor foot surgery.

• Are the Badgers getting more respect from their two losses than their four wins? It’s an interesting question possibly with some merit, but Chryst didn’t really bite.

• Chryst revealed his early impressions of the 2016 Badgers, saying it’s a team that likes playing, cares tremendously for each other and can be challenged because the players have an inside confidence but no arrogance. It’s a group every day he looks forward to seeing.

• Regarding Derrick Tindal’s post-game tweet, Chryst said he spent 15 minutes with Tindal on Sunday (no different than any other Sunday), and says Tindal knows he can make a difference. Chryst said it’s his own job to not have players shoulder any unnecessary burdens. Doesn’t want to see them in pain, and it’s their job to help them grow.

• On Iowa’s running backs: The more you watch them, the more you see some differences between them. Different backs, but not to the point where they’re a certain style of offense. Don’t think they’ll change their game plan on which one is involved