Staff Roundtable: Can Michigan Football handle the Hawkeyes?
By Josh LaFond
What’s your biggest concern going into the game?
Cameron: My biggest concern for the Iowa game is it turning into a dogfight. If JJ McCarthy misses on his deep shots (highly likely JJ takes at least a few deep shots) and/or JJ turns the ball over via interception and/or fumble on Saturday, Michigan football will be in for a long game. I hate being anxious and nervous for games, wondering what the final outcome will be. If Michigan does its job and doesn’t beat itself, it should win handily.
Brady: My only concern is with the atmosphere and playcalling. I think Kinnick Stadium can be a tough spot to play, especially for someone like JJ who’s only started in home games. I also think our playcalling looked a little bland last weekend against Maryland. Michigan needs to come out aggressive with the intention of scoring a touchdown on every drive. I’m tired of settling for a field goal after driving down the field. (Although I am a big Jake Moody guy).
Josh: Getting into a rock fight against a kid with a slingshot.
Iowa has never built its program to be anything other than what they are now. A defensive, gritty team that’s only goal is to get you to flinch once or twice — and they in turn capitalize on.
There’s no scenario in which Michigan blows them out. But they need to get up 10-0 or 14-0 early. Get Iowa in a hole early, they won’t come back.
Chris: The turnover battle. If Iowa wins the turnover battle, then watch out. Otherwise, I believe Michigan is the superior team. It just has to play mistake-free football (mostly).