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Michigan Football: Previewing Wolverines and Iowa for Big Ten title

By Christopher Mangum

Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2021; College Park, Maryland, USA; Michigan Wolverines tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) celebrates with teammates after scoring a during the first half against the Maryland Terrapins at Capital One Field at Maryland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

Michigan football defense will be crucial to victory against Iowa

Headed into Saturday’s Big Ten Championship Game, the Wolverines boast the 14th-ranked total defense and 8th ranked scoring defense in the nation.

According to Pro Football Focus, the U-M defense ranks fourth in the nation, led by two of the countries top pass rushers; Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo.

Against Ohio State, Michigan’s linebackers and defensive backs showed the world how much they have improved since 2020.

Though Buckeye quarterback and Heisman candidate C.J. Stroud passed for over 300 yards, the Wolverines’ second and third-level defensive units held Ohio State to a mere 27 points.

Notably, Michigan also managed to keep the No. 1 offense in the country to under 70 total rushing yards. This performance showed how dominant the defense has become under first-year defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald.

Michigan’s two edge rushers are the strong point. Off of one edge, captain Aidan Hutchinson has found himself in the Heisman trophy conversation in recent weeks, recording 13 sacks this season, setting a Michigan football record.

Off of the other edge, Michigan has another star in projected first-round NFL draft pick David Ojabo. Ojabo has also reached double-digit sacks on the season, recording 11 sacks of his own. Michigan’s outstanding defensive line will be crucial in their success against an Iowa offensive line that ranks 92nd in sacks allowed this season and 123rd in tackles for loss allowed.

The Hawkeyes offense has been notably poor this season for a Big Ten Championship team. During the 2021 regular season, Iowa finished the year ranking 123rd in total offense and 87th in scoring offense.

Behind a poor offensive line, Iowa has not managed to pass, run, or score the ball very well, making their defense the team’s strong point. If Michigan’s defensive unit can keep the Hawkeye offense at bay, the Wolverine offense will be able to take over the game and take home a win in their first-ever Big Ten Championship game.

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