Michigan football will be playing in a Top-25 matchup for the second time in three weeks on Saturday.
In Week 2, the Wolverines won a 17-10 slugfest against Oklahoma. Bryce Underwood accounted for 198 total yards. He didn't turn the ball over, most importantly, and that's exactly the kind of performance Michigan football needs from the sophomore on Saturday.
Iowa's defense always seems to be one of the best in the FBS. The Hawkeyes are allowing just 4.3 points per game this season. Michigan football, on the other hand, ranks outside the top 90 in total offense, passing yards per game, and points per game.
How Michigan can survive against Iowa this week
Defensively, Michigan has allowed just 13 points per game. Oklahoma managed just 10. Western Michigan scored 12, but six of those points were directly off turnovers. UTEP also converted two U-M turnovers into 14 points.
Even the extra field goal the Miners got came because of a roughing the passer penalty when the quarterback had turned into a runner.
The point is, Michigan has allowed one touchdown drive this season that didn't come off a turnover. The Wolverines have been stingy against two teams that won 10 games a season ago.
Iowa's offense is averaging 477 yards per game and 37 points. Iowa is rushing for 268 yards per game and throwing for 209 but the schedule has been soft outside of Iowa State. Quarterback Hank Brown has completed 72 percent of his passes with three touchdowns and zero interceptions.
The problem for Iowa is that the Hawkeyes haven't played a defense like Michigan's. The Wolverines front seven will have to hold up against the run. But if it does, Iowa should struggle to move the ball. At the very least.
Michigan's defensive line has more combined sacks and tackles for loss than any team in the Big Ten. They will wreak havoc. Iowa will have a tough time scoring points. Michigan will, too. Make no mistake about that, but the one thing the Wolverines can't do, what Underwood can't do, is turn the ball over.
The Oklahoma gameplan will have to be used again. Underwood might need to run the ball 20 times, so it will be essential for him to hang onto the ball. As a thrower, he needs to be willing to throw the ball away, to be patient, and frankly, to have ugly numbers.
The only stat that matters is zero interceptions. As long as Underwood avoids turnovers, Michigan should have the advantage. These teams are similar, except the Wolverines have more talent. Iowa won't be able to overcome that if Michigan, and most importantly, Underwood, plays a clean game.
Of course, against Iowa, that's easier said than done.
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