3 X-factors for Michigan Football against Iowa

Donovan Edwards’ return from injury

Simply put, Donovan Edwards is one of the most dynamic players on the Michigan football roster and he was missed last weekend against Maryland.

There was some thought he could have played but that he was held out as a precaution. Jim Harbaugh said this week that “it’s possible” that Edwards plays against the Hawkeyes.

The Wolverines could really use him. Not only does Michigan football need another back to share the load with Blake Corum, but Edwards is a different type of player.

He’s an explosive play waiting to happen (as a runner or receiver or thrower as Iowa knows) and this game is one that will be defined by big plays. Putting together long drives won’t be easy against Iowa. Chunk plays will be huge and Michigan football hit on quite a few a year ago.

That’s probably not going to happen again. But I could see Edwards’ receiving ability having a huge impact. If you put Edwards up against any linebacker, he’s going to win. The Wolverines should take advantage of these mismatches and if Iowa devotes more resources to Edwards than say a linebacker, it should open things up somewhere else.

Throw some short routes and try a couple of wheels. But get the ball into his hands on the perimeter as much as possible. Eventually, something will break and that could be the difference in what should be a close, low-scoring affair.