Big Ten Championship Preview: No. 2 Michigan vs. No. 13 Iowa
The Michigan Wolverines (11-1) face the Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) on Saturday to decide who will take home the Big Ten crown.
Iowa’s season started strong with a 6-0 record and multiple wins over ranked opponents. Its entire season looked like it was derailing after a horrible week seven performance against Purdue.
The Iowa defense once touted as the best in college football was embarrassed on full display. This resulted in many having doubts about this teams’ success The Hawkeyes were, fortunately, able to turn around the season and lose just one more game to Wisconsin.
The Iowa defense is still a proven elite unit with a ball-hungry secondary and serviceable run defense.
Michigan’s backbone is also the defense. Instead of the secondary being the dominant force it is instead the pass rush; led by Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.
Michigan dominated teams left and right with their overwhelming pass rush until losing to Michigan State is a close game.
Michigan bounced back with an impressive win over Ohio State to close out the regular season. Quarterback Cade McNamara has been able to do just enough all season to close out games behind his elite defense.
Expect this game to show the gap between the Big 10 East and the Big 10 West. Michigan’s pass rush was able to nullify Ohio States’ offense. With that in mind imagine what they will do to an Iowa team that can’t even throw the football.
Yes, the Wolverine offense is limited as well, but not to the extent of Iowa. Michigan’s rushing attack is dynamic and physical and when needed Cade McNamara is a serviceable passer.
The Hawkeye offense on the other hand is simply flawed. Both Spencer Petras and Alex Padilla are questionable at quarterbacking so forget throwing the football at all.
When this game begins, Both offenses will flat line to start until Hassan Haskins finds the Iowa endzone. Michigan’s Pass rush will generate turnovers completely disabling the Buckeyes offensive game plan.
Michigan will use up a lot of clock with their run game never even giving Iowa a chance to get back into this game. Michigan wins convincingly, possibly scoring a shutout.
Prediction: Michigan 28, Iowa 3
What to look for:
We can watch many top NFL draft prospects play with their entire seasons on the line. It’s exciting to see how Aidan Hutchinson is going to perform after last week’s fantastic showing.
Ojabo will have chances to be a difference-maker as well. On the other side of the football, we can watch center Tyler Linderbaum and how he reacts to the best pass rush in college football.
What if Iowa wins? If Iowa wins will Michigan be swapped with the Hawkeyes? Could Iowa become the first 2 loss team in the college football playoffs? That could become an interesting predicament if Iowa wins. Let’s finally see how Jim Harbaugh looks in the postseason.
Antonio Fondacaro is a first-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email adf5400@psu.edu.
