Michigan Football: Grading Wolverines Big Ten title victory

Defense: A+

Michigan’s defense was outstanding in the Big Ten title game. Iowa was held under 300 total yards and while the Hawkeyes were able to move the football, at times, they weren’t able to make it pay off with touchdowns.

Iowa’s first two drives into the red zone ended with field goals, one of which was a miss. Iowa then turned the ball over on downs when it trailed 21-3 and that was pretty much game.

Michigan’s defense only forced one turnover and that was when the game was already decided, although the blocked punt was key, even though it’s technically not a turnover.

Aidan Hutchinson also had the only sack in the game for Michigan. But the Wolverines allowed just three yards per rushing attempt and the secondary was outstanding. The pass rush was too even if it didn’t get home a ton. The pressure had a negative impact on Iowa’s quarterbacks.

And from this Michigan defense, it was exactly what you expected.