3 Keys to Michigan Football beating Iowa in Big Ten title game

3. Offensive Line Must Win the Trenches

Michigan football’s play in the trenches got out to a hot start this season, mauling traditional defensive line stalwarts like Washington, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Then things stalled out against Michigan State, and frankly, were up and down the rest of the way.

Well, that was until last week against the Buckeyes.

The Wolverines didn’t allow a sack that entire game, only a couple quarterback pressures (though there could be an argument Cade McNamara had a clean pocket all day), and got enough push to run for 297 yards. All that on a team that hadn’t been worked over like that all year.

For Michigan to beat Iowa, they need that same play from the trenches.

Iowa brings in an elite defense coming in at 13th nationally in total stats. By those same metrics, they slot in at 3rd nationally in defensive passing efficiency. Why should we care about this?

Because Michigan is going to continue to lean on their run game as they have all year. And when they do take shot downfield, Cade McNamara is going to need time to throw.

The offensive line is talented enough and coached well enough to rise to the occasion.

Win the trenches. Open up holes for the running game. Give Cade McNamara a clean pocket.

Do that and not only does Michigan win their first Big Ten Championship in 17 years, but they will have a shot at the national championship.