GBMWolverine
Fansided

5 things to watch for Michigan football vs. Iowa in Big Ten title game

By Chris Peterson

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches a play against Indiana during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh watches a play against Indiana during the first half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Nov 24, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Leshon Williams (4) runs the football against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2023; Lincoln, Nebraska, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Leshon Williams (4) runs the football against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Michigan football make Iowa one-dimensional?

Iowa hasn’t been very good on offense this season and ranks 124th in the FBS in scoring with just 18 points per game.

The loss of Cade McNamara and Erick All due to injury didn’t help. What’s made things worse is that the running game has struggled. Iowa averages just 3.5 yards per carry.

However, the Hawkeyes have been improving and LeShon Williams rushed for over 100 yards last week against Nebraska, which was allowing just three yards per attempt, just like Michigan.

Missed tackles were an issue for Nebraska. But the Iowa offensive line has improved and Williams is averaging five yards per attempt. If Iowa gets him going, it can use play-action passes and keep Deacon Hill out of third-and-long situations.

Iowa ranks 120th in third-down conversion percentage and if Michigan football can force Iowa into third-and-long, it’s going to be a long night for Deacon Hill. Yet, the run defense needs to hold up better than it has the last three weeks.

Home/Michigan Football