Michigan Football: 5 Things to Know About Iowa Hawkeyes
By Alex Hinton
Iowa will be banged up in the secondary
Iowa’s secondary is largely responsible for its success forcing turnovers. Dane Belton is tied for the national lead with five interceptions. Cornerback Riley Moss was named the Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year and had four interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns. However, Moss has been playing through a PCL injury the last few weeks. He will play against Michigan but he is not 100%.
However, Iowa will still be without its other starting corner Matt Hankins. Hankins will miss the rest of the season with an undisclosed injury. Iowa will get cornerback Terry Roberts back, who has missed the last four games with a bone bruise. Jermari Harris has started three of the last four games in his stead. Iowa will have to decide who starts opposite Moss this week.
Iowa’s run defense is stingy
Outside of Wisconsin, Iowa’s run defense will be the second-best that Michigan has faced this season. Iowa gives 105.8 rushing yards, which is 14th nationally. The Hawkeyes are also second in rushing play explosiveness allowed and 16th in rushing success rate allowed. While Iowa’s run defense is tough, it is not impenetrable.
Wisconsin ran for 166 yards against Iowa. As a team, it averaged 3.5 yards per carry, but breakout freshman Braelon Allen ran for 104 yards on 5.2 yards per carry. Iowa also allowed 189 yards to Minnesota in November.
Next. 3 reasons Wolverines will beat Iowa. dark
One thing we know about Michigan football is it will not be afraid to run the ball on anyone. Last week, Ohio State also entered 14th in rushing yards allowed. Michigan ran for 297 yards. It will be interesting to watch another strength-on-strength matchup this week.