Will No. 2 Michigan win its first Big Ten title since 2004 when it takes the field against No. 15 Iowa on Saturday in Indianapolis?
The Wolverines (11-1), coming off an impressive 42-27 win over Ohio State, are big favorites against the Hawkeyes (10-2).
Iowa is stout defensively, allowing just 17.3 points and 315.8 yards per game, but it has struggled offensively this season. It looks like Spencer Petras will get the starting nod at quarterback over Alex Padilla, but neither have been very effective this season. Iowa, which ranks 13th in the Big Ten in total offense this season, has predominantly relied on running back Tyler Goodson to move the ball. The junior ranks sixth in the conference with 1,101 rushing yards.
Meanwhile, Michigan is one of the most balanced teams in the country. Its ranks 11th nationally in scoring at 37.3 points a game and is No. 8 in scoring defense, allowing 17.2 points per game.
Here are predictions for Saturday’s Big Ten title game (8 p.m., FOX) from MLive’s beat writers.
Aaron McMann
I’m expecting a low-scoring, grind-it-out affair with these two offenses. Both teams want to run the football, dominate the line of scrimmage and play the field position game. Michigan’s defense, and Aidan Hutchinson, should be able to feast against an Iowa offensive line that’s allowed the second-most sacks in the Big Ten (31). The Wolverines have the better passing game and can win without throwing the ball much, limiting the number of turnover opportunities for Iowa’s secondary. I have a feeling this game remains relatively close on the scoreboard by virtue of the way both teams play, but Michigan should be able to score first and control the tempo. The Wolverines win but don’t expect a lopsided affair here. The number is just too big. Prediction: Michigan 24, Iowa 14
Ryan Zuke
What an opportunity the Wolverines have in front of them. Not only did they snap a long losing streak against the Buckeyes to claim the Big Ten East crown, but they now get to face an Iowa team that has looked awfully pedestrian in the second half of the season. Yeah, it has won four straight after back-to-back losses to Purdue and Wisconsin, but only one of those wins (Illinois) has been by double digits.
For Michigan fans, it is natural to be wary of a letdown after the Wolverines exorcised their Buckeyes demons last week. The Hawkeyes are a well-coached team and already upset the Wolverines as a double-digit underdog in 2016 under Kirk Ferentz. But Michigan has too much riding on Saturday to overlook Iowa. A College Football Playoff berth is on the line in a wide-open field this season.
As long as Michigan protects the football and doesn’t give Iowa many short fields, it should be heading to the playoff semifinals. Iowa’s offensive line and quarterback play has been subpar this season, and I just can’t see it sustaining many long drives against this stingy Michigan defense.
I don’t expect the Wolverines to post a huge number offensively, but it should be enough to win by double digits. Prediction: Michigan 28, Iowa 14
Andrew Kahn
The Wolverines have embraced an underdog mentality all season, but after knocking off OSU to win the Big Ten East Crown, that
I liked Jim Harbaugh’s reference to the 1980 U.S. Olympic hockey team. The “Miracle on Ice” win over the Soviets did not clinch a gold medal. The U.S. still had to beat Finland. Harbaugh’s team is in a similar spot, needing to beat Iowa to finish the job and win a Big Ten title.
Like that famous hockey team, I think Michigan will.
Iowa is a less explosive version of Michigan. The Hawkeyes lean on their run game but don’t have a dominant offensive line. They play good defense and force a lot of turnovers, but Michigan’s offensive strengths should negate much of that.
l don’t think Michigan, playing for a league title and a spot in the playoffs, will possibly overlook Iowa. So as long as the Wolverines play close to their standard, they should be OK.
Michigan’s magical season continues. Prediction: Michigan 30, Iowa 13
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