A crucial Big Ten opening matchup for the Wolverines, as the 17th-ranked Iowa Hawkeyes soar into the Big House on Saturday.
When the Hawkeyes arrive in Ann Arbor, they’ll be ranked five spots higher than their pre-season ranking, and they bring with them the nation’s leading defense, allowing just 4.3 points and 176.7 yards per game.
The Wolverines’ keys to victory lie with their stout defense and, of course, quarterback Bryce Underwood. Yet, the Hawkeyes come into town looking to capitalize on the momentum of a successful end to last season.
Keys to Victory For Wolverines
Wolverines Defense
Coming into the game with the 21st-ranked total defense and allowing only 13 points per game, the Wolverine defense is the first key to victory against a Hawkeye team that ranks 30th in total offense.
The Wolverines’ secondary has been suffocating this season, allowing just 123.7 passing yards per game. That paves the way for a key matchup against Hawkeye wide receiver Tony Diaz, who is ranked 19th among Big Ten receivers, with 201 receiving yards through his first three games. He also averages 11.8 yards per reception. To put this into perspective, every time Diaz touches the ball, he gains a first down.
Michigan’s secondary, led by fifth-year senior and team captain Rod Moore Jr., will have its work cut out for it guarding Diaz, who shows signs of being on his way to an All-Conference selection.
In addition to proven experience in the secondary, the Wolverines’ defense is anchored in the middle by veteran linebacker Troy Bowles, who ranks fifth in the Big Ten with 25 total tackles (13 solo).
Hawkeye quarterback Hank Brown is off to a stellar start. He has not thrown an interception this season and is coming off a perfect outing, completing all 12 of his attempts for 153 yards and two touchdowns in a 55-0 rout of Northern Iowa. His biggest test came against in-state rival Iowa State, where he went 21-for-30 for 191 yards.
With Bowles anchoring the middle and Moore providing proven leadership in the secondary, it is unlikely that the Hawkeyes are hitting their season average of 37 points.
Bryce Underwood
Heading into this top-25 matchup, Underwood ranks 20th in the Big Ten for rushing yards and is one of two quarterbacks in the conference’s top 25 rushers.
In what is speculated to be a defensive standoff, Underwood’s ability to extend plays with his legs– coupled with the offensive play calling to confuse the defense with run-pass options–means he does not need to lead the Wolverines to a blowout victory. If offensive coordinator Jason Beck can call a great game that keeps the Hawkeye defense guessing and can put Michigan in manageable third-down situations, the Wolverines can put up just enough points on the board to edge the Hawkeyes.
As long as Beck does not place Underwood in situations where he has to make big plays with his arm, Underwood should be able to successfully manage the game in crucial third-and-short situations.
The Last Word
Through three games, the Wolverines are critically undisciplined on both sides of the ball, averaging 10 penalties a game, and currently rank 112th out of 138 FBS teams.
Head ball coach Kyle Whittingham addressed the penalties last week and is well aware that they can cost the team down the line.
Penalties after the whistle and penalties in crucial situations aren’t a matter of lack of knowledge on how to play the game. If Whittingham can get his team to keep their composure and emotions in check for 60 minutes, the Wolverines are poised for a well-rounded game that puts them in the best position for a huge victory to open Big Ten play.
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