3 keys for Michigan football vs. Iowa in Big Ten Championship Game

Nov 4, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers in the first half against the Purdue Boilermakers at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

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Michigan running back Blake Corum (2) takes off on a 30-yard touchdown run in the second half of an NCAA football game against Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2023, in State College, Pa. /

Win the rushing battle

The key to winning football games isn’t a big secret, especially against a team like Iowa, which embraces old-school Big Ten football as much as anyone.

In the two biggest games of the season, Michigan was able to out-rush Penn State and Ohio State. To me, that’s going to be a huge key for the Wolverines.

Iowa is good at stopping the run. The Hawkeyes aren’t great at running the ball, averaging just 3.5 yards per rush this season. However, LeShon Williams rushed for 111 yards last week at Nebraska.

The Huskers had the best run defense in the Big Ten before that. Michigan is one of the best running teams in all of college football.

Blake Corum hasn’t put up huge numbers this season, but the Wolverines have run the ball well when needed and that will be a key once again on Saturday night.

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