Michigan Football: 5 Things to Know About Iowa Hawkeyes

Breaking down Michigan football’s opponent in the Big Ten title game on Saturday: Iowa. 

Michigan football last won the Big Ten Championship in 2004. While the program experienced its own struggles in that span, it was largely denied because of Ohio State, which has won the last four Big Ten Championships. Michigan exorcised its demons last week with a dominant 42-27 win over Ohio State.

Now, Michigan football is one win away from ending its Big Ten Championship drought. The only team standing in its way is the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Michigan won the last meeting against Iowa in 2019. However,  Iowa probably kept Michigan out of the CFP when it upset the Wolverines in 2016. Here are five things to know about the Hawkeyes.

Iowa has questions at quarterback

Iowa has won 10 games this season but it was not because of its quarterback play. The Hawkeyes

are 110th in the nation at 177.9 passing yards per game and 119th in passing success rate. Spencer Petras began the season under center and he is completing 58.1% of his passes for 1,532 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions. Petras struggled against Wisconsin and head coach Kirk Ferentz turned to Alex Padilla against Northwestern.

Padilla has not been much better. He is completing 46.4% passes of his passes, has 598 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Padilla struggled in the first half against Nebraska and Ferentz went back to Petras. Iowa overcame a two-touchdown deficit and won 28-21. Petras will start the Big Ten Championship but don’t be surprised if Padilla plays as well.