Iowa backup QB Brendan Sullivan in spotlight vs. Wisconsin

Brendan Sullivan is expected to make his first start at quarterback for Iowa when the Hawkeyes host Wisconsin in Iowa City on Saturday night in a Big Ten matchup of teams with identical records.Iowa (5-3, 3-2) is coming off a 40-14 victory at home over Northwestern last Saturday. Sullivan replaced injured starter Cade McNamara, helping the Hawkeyes overcome an early 7-3 deficit.Wisconsin (5-3, 3-2) saw its three-game winning streak snapped with a 28-13 loss at home to third-ranked Penn State after leading 10-7 at the half.Against Northwestern, Sullivan led the Hawkeyes to 37 consecutive points after replacing McNamara, whose pick-six put Iowa in an early 7-3 hole. Sullivan completed 9 of 14 passes for 80 yards without a touchdown or an interception.”I thought he did a really good job out there, played with poise, was productive,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday. “He’s practicing well so far this week, so off to a good start.”Sullivan, a transfer from Northwestern, is listed as the starter for the Wisconsin game, according to the depth chart released Monday. He has played in six games this season but has attempted only 16 passes in limited time.McNamara was ruled out for the Wisconsin game due to a concussion, Ferentz said Tuesday.The Hawkeyes average 347.9 yards per game, allowing 315.9, including just 104.1 on the ground. Wisconsin averages 393.0 yards, giving up 311.1.

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