Michigan Football faces two tough opponents in consecutive weeks

After defeating Maryland 34 to 27, the Wolverines face Iowa and Penn State in the coming weeks, two teams that look like formidable challenges to Michigan football. 

The Iowa Hawkeyes offensively have really been an almost below-average unit. In their first two matchups this season, they scored fourteen combined points. I cannot respect the scoring output versus Nevada due to the Wolfpack allowing 55 and 48 points; scored by Incarnate Word and the Air Force. A fumble recovery and an interception led to defensive touchdowns; that accounted for 14 of the 27 points Iowa scored against Rutgers.

The Hawkeyes on defense is another story. They have been a stout force in the past eight seasons. Jack Campbell leads the team in tackles, while Cooper De Jean leads the team in interceptions. The front seven does not overplay gap assignments. Linebackers play with extreme discipline negating big plays off play action concepts. With pressure coming from the front seven, the back end has multiple opportunities to swat passes and stop third-down conversions preventing momentum swings. Their secondary communicates well with each other.

Michigan football will have its hands occupied with this tenacious defense on the field, but the odds of victory swing towards the Wolverines’ side in this battle. This game has the feel of a defensive slugfest.

While the Wolverines will have another road test against Indiana after the Iowa game, another team on the schedule that seems formidable is Penn State.

Penn State, along with Iowa will test Michigan football

Penn State has a balanced roster. Their lowest offensive output in the last four games this season was 33 points. Having playmakers at wide receiver and running back make them dangerous in the open field and very hard to tackle. With a quarterback that can take a hit while completing long passes down the sidelines, this offense has firepower at all positions across the board.

The secondary of the Nittany Lions represents the strength of this defense. Joey Porter Jr. dominates at the corner position, which is why some scouts say he is a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Safety Ji’Ayir Brown has 14 tackles, an interception, and a sack. His versatility allows him to cover various positions, in addition to helping in run support. These two men are a menacing duo wreaking havoc on defense.

If Michigan football and Penn State are both undefeated when they play on October 15, it will be a game that garners national attention. It will also be a chance for J.J. McCarthy to show he can deliver in pressure situations.

If the Maize and Blue are victorious after playing these schools, their sights will be set on Ohio State and the Big Ten Championship. The next few weeks will play a pivotal role in determining what happens this season.