3 Keys to Michigan Football beating Iowa in Big Ten title game
By Josh LaFond
2. Grab an Early Lead & Keep the Foot on the Gas
Michigan football will look to exert its will early and often. That’s what got them here and that’s what they’re going to continue to do.
But the Wolverines can’t play conservatively if downfield shots are to be had. Do what got you here, sure. Lean on the run game led by Hassan Haskins. It works, we know.
But when the shot is there, take it.
Put the Hawkeyes in a hole coming out of the gate. Get them on their heels and don’t let up.
Iowa is not built to come back from a two-score deficit. They aren’t built to do that against any team in this conference, let alone against what will be ranked a top-4 CFP team in Michigan.
Yes, we’ve said they’re “not equipped” to come back from a deficit. But why do we keep saying that?
Simply put, the Hawkeyes rank 123rd out of 130 teams nationally in total offense. They rank in the bottom half of the country in total points scored. The Hawkeyes are 103rd in 3rd down conversions. They come in at 119th in first down yardage. And last but not least, 114th in red-zone efficiency. What does all this mean you ask?
That as I’ve said multiple times and will continue to preach: Iowa cannot come back from a deficit.
They have not done it all year, and that certainly won’t change against their toughest opponent of the year with only one week to prepare for.
Get out to an early lead, keep the foot on the gas, and this will be over in time for this week’s Saturday Night Live.