Michigan Football: 5 predictions for the Wolverines against Iowa

J.J. McCarthy takes care of the ball

The biggest factor in the outcome of this game is going to be the turnover battle. If Iowa doesn’t win it, I don’t see how the Hawkeyes win the game.

Michigan football is the more talented team. That seems clear. But Iowa is tough as nails, extremely well-coached, and boasts one of the best defenses in the country. We’ve seen the Hawkeyes beat top-5 teams with average offenses before and they can do it again.

The key for Michigan is taking care of the ball and that starts with J.J. McCarthy who has yet to throw an interception in three starts this season.

There were some shaky moments against Maryland last week — a couple of fumbles and a near interception — but my view is that McCarthy will learn from those moments. It was his first Big Ten start and while playing at Iowa will be tough — he did throw a TD pass in East Lansing last season.

McCarthy isn’t afraid of the big moment and he’ll be a cool customer on Saturday. The coaching staff will manage him more and as I said on Thursday, his legs will be the X-factor. That’s why he’s different than almost any other Michigan football QB under Harbaugh.

He’s an equal threat to run or pass and Saturday, he’ll make just enough plays to beat Iowa. I also think he makes it out of Iowa City without a turnover, which is my bold prediciton for the week.