Staff Predictions: Michigan football vs. Iowa, Big Ten Championship Game

On3 imageby:Chris Balas12/03/21

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It’s Michigan vs. Iowa for all the marbles, something we haven’t said since 1985.

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Even then, it was premature. The No. 1 vs. No. 2 late October matchup, decided on a last-second Hawkeyes field goal in a 12-10 Iowa win over Michigan, proved to be the Wolverines’ only loss of the year (though one 3-3 tie at Illinois also sullied the record).

We remember it like it was yesterday. And after years of therapy, I’ve forgiven you, Brad Cochran.

Afterwards, the late Bo Schembechler shook hands with Iowa legend Hayden Fry and gave him a stick of gum.

Those were simpler times.

It seems only fitting that one of these two programs will win its first Big Ten title since 2004, when they shared it. It’ll be like settling an old score going back to the days before a Big Ten championship game …

Well, not really. That was 17 years ago, after all.

But it could well be an old-fashioned, Big Ten slugfest, and we’re down. There’s something to be said for a good man-ball game, as much as some seem to hate it. One of these programs will prove the ‘you can’t win championships that way’ adage wrong Saturday night.

While Michigan is a heavy favorite, don’t ever sleep on a Kirk Ferentz underdog. The Hawkeyes will punch you in the mouth and take your lunch money if you’re not prepared to fight, and they were No. 2 in the country earlier this year for a reason.

This column is usually produced to poke a little fun at an opponent, but like Jim Harbaugh, we just have too much respect for what the 66-year-old Ferentz has accomplished. Maybe a joke about that pig trophy for beating one of the Big Ten West also-rans — Floyd of Mayweather or whatever it is?

But even that’s a pretty cool and unique tradition.

Michigan got the Ohio State gorilla off its back last week, but the job ain’t done ’til it’s done. And if it truly is just the beginning — well, we’ll see you back here Monday, Jan. 10.

Congratulations to John Borton and Doug Karsch for predicting a Michigan win over Ohio State last week. This week’s winner receives Detroit Lions first-year coach Dan Campbell’s new book, ‘What the hell have I done to my career?’ and two plane tickets to Miami or Arlington Dec. 31.

TheWolverine.com Michigan vs. Iowa Staff Picks

CHRIS BALAS: They’ve come this far … now, it’s time to finish.

Michigan has to do more than show up, though. The Wolverines had better be prepared for a fight. Iowa is capable of winning this game, and will if U-M doesn’t play well. Michigan 24, Iowa 13

JOHN BORTON: The celebration is over, and a championship remains there for the taking. Having come this far, Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines aren’t about to stumble at the 1-yard line. They’ll be adding some Blue to Iowa’s traditional black come Saturday night. Michigan 31, Iowa 16

CLAYTON SAYFIE: Michigan clicked into gear last week, and there shouldn’t be much worry about a letdown, considering the Wolverines haven’t won a Big Ten title since 2004.

It’ll be tough sledding in the trenches, and Iowa can force turnovers, but the Wolverines have taken care of the ball and been able to hold up at the line of scrimmage.When the ole’ season over, it’s gonna be Michigan again. Michigan. Michigan 31, Iowa 10

ANTHONY BROOME: Welcome to the latest edition of the biggest game of the Jim Harbaugh era. They slew the beasts to the south with a massive and euphoric win over the Ohio State Buckeyes, but next up is the big one.

The Wolverines have a shot to cross one more narrative off the list on Saturday in Indianapolis, which will be taken over by the Maize and Blue faithful. The Iowa Hawkeyes have a way of dragging you down to their level, as we saw in 2016, and will be looking to get Michigan into a bar brawl. They will be able to do some things defensively to make things difficult on Michigan, but I just don’t see it offensively with them. Their best shot is to get you to turn the ball over and get a little bit of chaos involved.

I don’t think Michigan will lower itself to that. This team is here by sheer force of will and is not overlooking the Hawkeyes. Look for another statement win and a trip to the program’s first College Football Playoff. Michigan 28, Iowa 10

DOUG SKENE: No fear of a let down here. Let down alert would be if Michigan was going on the road to play a middle of the pack Big Ten team. There is simply too much within grasp.

The recipe for success against Iowa is the same as it ever was; get to their quarterback early and hit him and bring a stiff run defense. I look for David Ojabo to have a big day, because Aidan Hutchinson will face some double teams.

The Michigan offense has enough weapons and an offensive line playing well enough to get to 35 points, for sure. Michigan 38, Iowa 17

DOUG KARSCH: Iowa is not a team that can operate from behind the chains — and yet they are the worst team in TFL’s allowed in the B1G (90 TFL’s allowed). Michigan’s pass rush will be a problem for the Hawkeyes. However, takeaways (a Power 5 best 28) can give the Haweyes short fields. So can elite special teams.

Michigan’s coverage units are key against all B1G return specialist Charlie Jones. Jay Harbaugh’s group has answered the bell all season long. Michigan 24 Iowa 10

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