The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines meet in the Big Ten title game in college football action from Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday night. Can Iowa summon the offense to get by Michigan? Or can the Wolverines finish the story and book their spot in the college football playoffs? Let’s dive in and find out. This is our Michigan vs Iowa Prediction.
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes booked their spot in the Big Ten title game after finishing the year with a 10-2 record following a 4th straight win in a 13-10 triumph over Nebraska to close out the year. Deacon Hill has thrown for 976 yards, 5 touchdowns and 6 interceptions on 48.3% passing while Leshon Williams has a team-high 779 rushing yards and Kaleb Johnson has 415 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Erick Ali has 299 receiving yards and 3 TDs while Nico Ragaini has 227 receiving yards as well on the year. On defense, Jay Higgins has a team-high 141 total tackles while Joe Evans has 5.5 sacks and Sebastian Castro has 3 interceptions as well on the year.
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts
- Iowa has won each of its last five games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has covered the spread in each of its last seven games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has won the first half in six of its last eight games against conference opponents.
- Each of Iowa’s last seven games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone UNDER the total points line.
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Michigan Wolverines Team Preview
The Michigan Wolverines come into this one looking to crack the college football playoff, entering the conference championship at 12-0 after a 30-24 win over Ohio State last time out. J.J. McCarthy has thrown for 2,483 yards, 19 touchdowns and 4 interceptions on 74.3% passing while Blake Corum leads the Wolverines in rushing with 976 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns and Donovan Edwards has 354 rushing yards and 3 TDs. Roman Wilson leads Michigan with 40 receptions for 648 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns while Colston Loveland has 550 receiving yards and 4 touchdowns and Cornelius Johnson has 503 receiving yards as well. On defense, Junior Colson has a team-high 71 total tackles while Mike Sainristil has a team-high 5 interceptions. Jaylen Harrell has a team-high 5.5 sacks and Josaiah Stewart has 4.5 sacks as well on the year.
Michigan Wolverines Team Facts
- Michigan has won each of its last 30 games against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Michigan has covered the spread in five of its last six games against Iowa.
- Michigan has won the first quarter in four of its last five games against conference opponents.
- Michigan has won the first half in each of its last 10 games against conference opponents.
- Each of Michigan’s last eight games as a favorite at neutral venues have gone OVER the total points line.
Chris’ Pick
It’s a crazy line for a conference championship game, but I feel like I have to take Michigan here. It’s fine for Iowa to get by against mediocre offenses that their defense can shut down, but what about when the opposing defense is as good if not better and the offense on the other side is miles ahead of where they are? That’s where Iowa’s been able to skate by but I don’t think they get that luxury here. Michigan’s the far better team top to bottom and I think once again, Iowa gets trounced in the Big Ten title game as they did by the Wolverines two years ago. Give me Michigan.