I-Owe-A Lot

I am finding it rather difficult to restrain optimism for Michigan in this game.  

Iowa is 5-3 and goes to bowl game every year!  (but they just lost to Minnesota)
Denard gives away interceptions like Halloween candy! (but Iowa just lost to Minnesota)
Michigan has struggled in their only two road games this year! (but Iowa just lost to Minnesota)
Iowa has won the last two meetings! (but they just lost to Minnesota) 
Iowa is so difficult to beat in Kinnick! (but they just lost to Minnesota) 


Did I mention they just lost to Minnesota?  

OK, so it was a rivalry game and maybe that game just goes to show you how difficult it is to win on the road in the Big Ten.  Iowa also might come out totally fired up and play their best game of the season...or maybe they just aren't very good. 


On to the show


3 Things and a Prediction

1) Running Wild (When Michigan is on Offense)

Iowa's defensive front isn't up to the standards of the normally stout unit that it has been the past several years.  This should be a huge advantage for Michigan's run game.  Iowa doesn't often vary out of their two deep look which should allow Denard and Toussaint to exploit the defense on the ground.  Look for Michigan to eclipse 200 yards rushing.   

2)  Running Wild (When Iowa is on Offense) 

If Coker rushes for 250 yards again, Iowa will win this game.  Michigan needs to limit Coker and put Vandenberg in 3rd and long situations.  Iowa always has a good offensive line.  This is a very good test for Michigan's defense.  Iowa is going to try to gain 3 yards on 1st and 2nd down and get into third and manageable.  If Michigan is stout against the run on 1st and 2nd down I'll be smiling.  

3) Road Denard

Robinson needs to be efficient and smart with the football.  He's not going to have a 100% completion percentage but if he manages the game Michigan will make plays on offense.  If Denard throws 2 or more picks Iowa will have a great chance to win the game.  

Prediction:

Iowa comes out with a lot of emotion and rides the home crowd to an early lead but Michigan's offense moves the ball relentlessly on the struggling Hawkeye defense.  Vandenberg makes enough plays to McNutt to keep it close into the 4th quarter. 

34-24 Michigan.