Michigan vs Iowa Prediction, Game Preview, Live Stream, Odds & Picks
Early Showdown in Big Ten
Contrasting Styles for Conference Foes
A pair of teams sitting atop their respective divisions in the Big Ten Conference will collide when the Michigan Wolverines travel to face the Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday.
No. 4 Michigan and Iowa have each started the season strong. the Wolverines are undefeated at 4-0 and the Hawkeyes hold a 3-1 record, with Iowa State as their only loss.
Both teams are coming off wins in their conference opener, with the Wolverines defeating Maryland 34-27 and the Hawkeyes downing Rutgers 27-10 last week.
At 1-0 in the conference, the wins have Michigan tied for first in the East Division while Iowa is tied for first in the West.
Let’s check the latest NCAAF odds, stats, injury reports, and NCAAF lines for Michigan vs Iowa. We’ve plenty of Vegas NCAAF odds for you to consider.
Michigan: Offense Rolling
The Michigan Wolverines offense has gotten off to a hot start to secure the team’s 4-0 record, leading the Big Ten in scoring with an average of 50 points a game.
The Wolverines’ offense is third in the conference in total offense, averaging 489 yards, and the rushing offense is a main reason for the team’s strong start.
Michigan’s ground game is second in the Big Ten, averaging 234.3 yards a game, while running back Blake Corum is fourth with 478 rushing yards through four games. His nine rushing touchdowns lead the nation.
Corum has averaged 119.5 yards per game and was also a key part of Michigan’s win over Maryland. Against the Terrapins, Corum rushed 30 times for 243 yards and two touchdowns. It followed a Week 3 performance in which he rushed for a career-high five touchdowns.
Michigan’s offense has been humming lately, but it’ll face a tougher task when the Wolverines travel to Iowa City.
Iowa: Dominant Defense
While Michigan’s offense is one of the best in the nation, Iowa Hawkeyes’ is one of the worst.
The Hawkeyes have completely opposite units on their squad. Their offense is one of the lowest-producing units in the country while their defense is one of the best.
Iowa is last in the nation in total offense, averaging 232.5 yards per game. However, its defense is sixth in the nation, allowing 236.3 yards a game. It is also first in points allowed with opponents scoring an average of 5.8 points.
Although Iowa failed to score much in its first two contests, the Hawkeyes put up 27 points in each of their last two games to bring the team’s scoring average to 17, just outside the bottom 10.
While it appears the Hawkeyes have hit some kind of stride on offense, the defense found the end zone twice against Rutgers.
Defensive back Cooper DeJean took an interception 45 yards to the house while safety Kaevon Merriweather had a 30-yard fumble return for six more.
Iowa’s defense will continue to lead the way for the Hawkeyes while their offense searches for success.
Michigan vs Iowa Injury Report
Tight end Erick All, running back Donovan Edwards, offensive guard Trevor Keegan and linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green are questionable for Michigan. Quarterback Cade McNamara is out indefinitely.
For Iowa, cornerback Terry Roberts, linebacker Jestin Jacobs and wide receiver Keagan Johnson are questionable.
Michigan vs Iowa Head-to-Head
Michigan and Iowa have met 62 times before, with the Wolverines leading the series 43-15-4. Michigan last defeated Iowa in the Big Ten Championship Game, claiming a 42-3 victory in December 2021.
Michigan vs Iowa Game Information
- Game: Michigan vs Iowa
- Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA
- Day/Time: Saturday, Oct. 1, Noon ET
- Michigan vs Iowa Live Stream: ESPN
Michigan vs Iowa Betting Lines
The odds in this chart are based on the time of publication. They are subject to change.
Michigan vs Iowa Prediction
The game between Iowa and Michigan should be an interesting one.
Although Michigan’s offense has appeared unstoppable through four games, it will meet a different beast in Iowa’s defense, with the Hawkeyes only allowing 73 rushing yards a game.
The Hawkeyes will get an added advantage with the game at home, but with their offense still relying on the defense to score, Michigan should cover.
