GBMW "Link Man": Steve K’s — Why Michigan will win / why Iowa will win

Michigan at Iowa

GBMW “Link Man”: Why Michigan will win / why Iowa will win

Well another Saturday approaches and many UM fans are licking their wounds, and waiting for the sky to fall. But that bird circling is not a vulture but a Hawkeye. The truth is the Michigan team played well last week when it counted and less one poorly placed pass would be 5-0 going into the bird nest. So, how will they perform in yet another hostile environment, under the lights, and at very brisk temperatures?

Why Iowa will win:

This team is playing good enough to win. Yes, they have had some close calls – but they are getting it done and their 5-0 record shows it, even winning ugly is still a win. As Coach Ferentz says about the way his team has played, “I’ve been around this thing long enough where I don’t worry so much how you get there, just a matter of getting there”. The game for the Hawkeyes is really going to have to be won on the defensive side of the ball, much as it was at MSU. In the secondary Tyler Sash has already compiled 5 of the hawks 10 interceptions, while upfront LB Pat Angerer has accumulated 47 tackles and plays like his name suggests, and DT Karl Klug is a very physical and will be a very large challenge for Moose. On offense personally I am not overly impressed as QB Ricky Stanzi is almost 50/50 with TDs to interceptions (8/7) on way to his 1075 worth of passing yards. But his primary target WR Marvin McNutt is a threat every time he touches the ball and has an average of 20.2 per catch. If Iowa is to win this it will be because their D gets it done in the same fashion as Sparty did, controlling the line.

Why UM will win:

Believe it or not – the passing game. UM who up till last Saturday had lived by the run, failed to change that modus operandi until late in the fourth which in my opinion cost UM the game. UM allowed the box to be constantly crowded because they kept on running the ball. But Ortmann was correct on whose fault the loss is – the O Line play was abysmal, the last four minutes withstanding. But, they need to air the ball out early and not allow Iowa to get comfortable with constant man coverage. Stonum coughed up the ball last week, but I believe he will be this games difference maker, especially on special teams – I would not be surpassed if he puts up some impressive return yards this game. Regardless of what has been said of our D, in the redzone they have been pretty stout. Almost forcing as many FGs as TDs. If we can make it a 4-down area battle UM can win this beast, UM has allowed 79% scoring in the redzone (8 TDs and 7 FGs) whereas the Hawkeyes (4 TDs and 6 FGs) whom seem to be a better RZ group here, the 90% scoring allowed in the area means if we get in that area all day the hawks will be in trouble.

Come back later today to see the GBMW preview and predictions.

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Written by Steve