10/10/09
Iowa hosts Michigan in a huge Big 10 Football Matchup that will be seen across the Nation on ABC TV. Iowa as an 8 point favorite with a total of 47.5.
Both Michigan and Iowa are coming into this Game off embarrassing performances. Michigan lost to their in state rival Michigan State for the second straight year, and Iowa barely escaped with a 3 point win over Arkansas State. Michigan got out to a hot 4-0 start iNCluding a victory over Notre Dame. They had people thinking they were a legit Big 10 title contender, but then they were beaten by a 1-3 Michigan State team. They still have a chance to prove that they are legit, and a win over the #12 ranked Iowa Hawkeyes would do just that.
But Iowa is also looking for a win to prove to their doubters that they are worthy of being ranked #12. The Hawkeyes are 5-0 on the season with a win over Penn State, but their close wins over Northern Iowa and Arkansas State have people questioning them. A win over a very dangerous Michigan team is a must if Iowa is going to be a contender for the Big 10 title.
THE PRIME TIME MATCHUP
Michigan’s Running Backs vs. Iowas Defense
Its no secret who makes this Michigan offense go. True Freshman QB Tate Forcier burst onto the national scene after he led Michigan to a hard fought victory over Notre Dame. It looks like Forcier was put onto this earth to run Rich Rodriguezs spread offense. Forcier has been putting up impressive numbers through the air, but what has been lacking with this Michigan offense is their rushing Game. If they can start to move the ball well on the ground it will open up the passing Game for Forcier. They need a dominate runner kind of like Mike Hart was for them a few years ago. That would go a long way towards Michigan putting big numbers on the scoreboard.
Michigan is 9th in the Big 10 in rushing offense with just 89 yards per Game. Michigan has got to get their running Game going to take the pressure off Tate Forcier, because if they dont this Iowa defense is going to put him in situations to make mistakes by dropping extra men back into coverage. This Iowa defense is the reason why they are ranked #12 in the nation. Their defense is 2nd in the Big 10 in total defense, and scoring defense. They put their offense in good situations to win, and I dont expect that to change. If this Iowa defense can stop Michigans running Game then key onto QB Tate Forcier they will stay undefeated.
THE FINAL VERDICT
The line may seem inflated at -8, but that’s not without good reason. For starters, don’t pay too much attention to Iowa’s performaNCe against Arkansas State. They were in the classic let down situation. Ark State was a Game sandwiched in between Penn State and Michigan. We already saw what happened to Penn State, at home, when they played Iowa. Here we have a situation where Michigan has won 3 straight in this series and 10 of the last 12. So there’s a decade worth of payback for Iowa here. Night Games, in primetime on National TV are rare for the Hawkeyes and their fans. This has all the makings of a coming out party for Iowa. Michigan’s rookie QB will be facing the best defense he’s faced all year. Count on him struggling. Iowa -8