Big Ten Championship Preview: Can Michigan Finally Be The Top Dogs?

On Aug 4, 2011, the Big Ten Conference decided that teams will be split into an East and West division and the winners of each division would face each other in a championship game. Ever since that decision, Michigan hasn’t made it to a Big Ten championship game until this year. Their opponent in the championship game, Iowa has made it one time but lost to Michigan State in 2015. Let’s look at both teams and see who will come out on top on Saturday. Here we go.

How Michigan Could Win

The Wolverines have been the most consistent team in the Big Ten this entire year. Michigan has leaned on its running game and defense. The running game, led by both Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum, has been dominant. Haskins has gained 1232-yards and 18 touchdowns, while Corum has run for 865-yards and 10 touchdowns. The running game has helped the Wolverines control the pace of play as they rank 4th in time of possession in the Big Ten. Michigan can control this game and not turn the ball over by gaining chunk plays on the ground. Iowa thrives on turnovers and if Michigan continues to pound the football, the Wolverines will have a good chance to win this football game. Michigan gets pressure on the quarterback defensively as defensive lineman Aidan Hutchinson has 13 sacks. Michigan is only giving up 17.2 points per game, and Iowa doesn’t have an explosive offense, hence why the Wolverines will win on Saturday.

How Iowa Can Win?

Iowa’s football team is built similarly to the style that the Wolverines play with. The Hawkeyes can muck up the game and slow it down by controlling the pace. The defense for the Hawkeyes is giving up 105.8-rushing yards per game. Iowa can take away the strength of the Wolverines and slow down their rushing attack. The Hawkeyes will try and turn Michigan into a passing team and force Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara to beat them. Iowa can be just as physical as Michigan, and if they control the game by running the football, they can win. Iowa averaged 121.3-rushing yards per game. Running back Tyler Goodson is the featured back who has 1101-yards and six touchdowns on the year. If they stick to a ground-and-pound formula, they will win. 

Who Will Win?

Both teams will be exchanging blows all game. The game will be physical and low-scoring. This game will come down to talent. Unfortunately for Iowa, Michigan has more skillful players. The Wolverines will not allow Iowa to move the ball and, Michigan will generate more offense.

Michigan 28 Iowa 14

References: https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/

Writer

-By: Justin Howard