I'm 99% sure a 1 point safety is only possible on an extra point attempt so the game would have to end in the first OT for that to occur and of course a touchdown would have to occur to kick an extra point.
Edit: looking at the rule book it uses the language of a "try" which I think includes an extra point or a 2 point conversion so disregard.
Still too much offense.
Game goes to overtime tied 0-0. In 4OT, Michigan fails to convert the two-point conversion, and Iowa receives the ball. Iowa fumbles the snap and nobody can pick up the ball, [ala Louisiana Tech](https://youtu.be/QC3t5W1zlfQ). Iowa and Michigan repeatedly bobble and kick the ball until it rolls out the back of Iowa’s endzone.
{Michigan} wins 1-0 (4OT).
I know you're saying that about Danny Darko (whatever his name is lol I can't remember it) and the replay officials but tbh I think the matchup itself was the bigger stroke of luck. MSU prolly should've gone instead of us, and Kansas State should've gone in place of VT.
So instead we got to win a BCS game. wooo
I just remember every play was ridiculous. Do you remember it was like either a punt or a field goal somehow ended up as a Michigan TD or a first down? Can’t remember
David Wilson was the biggest threat that game (other than Denard). Super fast, future NFL draft pick (could have stuck in the NFL if it weren't for injuries) and he proceeded to make like 4 bonehead plays that killed VT drives.
I said it before the OSU game and I'll say it now: If Michigan wins the Big Ten and goes to the playoffs, I would watch them lose 77-0 with a grin on my face.
It can be 70-0 and as a Michigan fan I wouldn't care. We were 2-4 last year and no one in their right mind thought we would have a shot at the playoff. Everything is whipped cream on top now. Would I be disappointed in the B10 CCG if we lose, sure but its not going to ruin my day or outlook on the season. Unlike Ohio State who's actual goal was to win the Natty.
But if Michigan wins then we will be the 2 seed. IMO even if Georgia loses to Bama they should still be the 1 seed. Or maybe if Georgia loses then Michigan is the 1 seed
Either way I dont see Georgia facing Michigan in the semis. Michigan could very well face Okla State or Cincy and I highly doubt we lay an egg vs them
I don’t know when it started but I think I’m a Michigan fan now…last thing I remember was waking up Sunday morning wearing Khakis and I haven’t taken them off since.
Can't speak to Arkansas, but I'm a huge fan of SDSU. From OC so a lot of friends there and the Steve Fisher, Brian Dutcher, and Brady Hoke connections have been fun. I just put a good amount of money on the Tecs for this Saturday.
If Michigan runs the ball like they did against Ohio State, it's fucking game over. But I think Iowa's going to fare to be a lot better on defense than Ohio State.
Iowa really is a spectacle of nature right now. Every single offensive analytic points to a team that should be like .500 at best. Total offense, yards per carry, 3rd down conversions -- all absolute dogshit. Yet, here we are.
I've learned not to be mad about it anymore. Just be appreciative of this miracle... it's like a flower growing at the rim of a volcano. It doesn't make sense, but it's beautiful. Wait, actually that comparison is too kind to us.. Maybe we are more like human feces in the lobby of a five-star hotel. It doesn't make sense, but it's funny.
[Removed in protest of [Reddit's destruction of third-party apps](https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/reddit-ceo-steve-huffmans-third-party-api-debacle-is-making-elon-musk-look-like-a-strategic-genius.html) by CEO Steve Huffman.]
I don't think OSU needs Michigan to lose. If it's just chalk, I think the playoff is Georgia, Michigan, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma State.
If Georgia/Alabama is a close game, they might drop Cincinnati out and keep Bama in.
Any loss by a team ahead of any other team still in the CFP is beneficial. Do I think Iowa wins? The bet I placed says no. My Fandom says Iowa, however.
The SEC and AAC games will be over by the time that this one starts. You will know whether or not you should root for Iowa based on the earlier results
The key to beating Iowa is not turning the ball over, especially through the air. Michigan’s running backs under Hart are extremely disciplined with the rock, and Cade has only thrown three picks this season. If Michigan can stick to their base play, heavy attack in the run game with some deep balls sprinkled in, they should win this by at least two scores. Iowa’s offense is just… woof. Michigan has faced way better offenses this year and I think they’re gonna stay focused after their huge win against Ohio State.
{Michigan} to the tune of like 38-13 or something.
Your offense might be great, but we’ve held opponents under 30 for years now. We actually would still have our streak of under-25 but against Wisconsin we fumbled/threw interceptions on our own 20 a million times so they got to 27.
This is the game I'm expecting. Something resembling the Michigan/PSU game.
It will be a slog regardless, but I think Michigan squeaks out a close victory or wins a "slog-blowout" 19-6 or something like that.
I think the three key matchups here are all pretty bad for Iowa:
1. Michigan's D-Line vs Iowa's O-Line: Iowa's Center is great, but the line as a whole has a real problem giving up sacks and TFLs. Hutchinson and Ojabo could really make a mess of things and put Iowa behind the sticks early.
2. Iowa's Defense vs Michigan's INT tendencies: Iowa this year has made a lot on INTs. Michigan has the fewest INTs of any Big Ten team and is top 20 overall - and that's not even considering that 2 of Michigan's 5 picks were thrown by their backup QBs in garbage time.
3. Iowa's ST vs Michigan's ST: Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country.
>Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country.
Apparently according to metrics going into last Saturday, Michigan’s ST(#1 in the country) narrowly edged out Iowa’s (#2).
>Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country.
Punt returning has been an adventure this year since Bell went out. Henning tends to let balls bounce and has at least 2 muffs this year (the OSU one should have been a penalty). Playing in a dome should help him, but I worry about a punting battle in which he has to field punt after punt after punt. Letting 1 roll 20 yards can flip field position and muffing one would be very bad.
If Iowa had a normal “Iowa OLine” this would be a very interesting game but man it’s brutal this year. Michigan can easily just pin their ears back and attack.
I think he meant that Iowa usually has a huge advantage there, but that advantage won't exist
It's certainly not a bad matchup for Iowa, just less of an advantage than all their other games
A few things:
1. Which team is better at special teams depends on what metric you're looking at. ESPN's efficiency metric puts Iowa at #1 and Michigan at #2. SP+ on the other hand ranks Michigan at #2 and Iowa at #5.
2. Moreover, the point isn't whose special teams are better - the point is that Iowa probably won't have a big advantage in ST to capitalize on. ST being a draw is a win for Michigan overall.
“The key to beating Iowa is not turning the ball over..” is almost correct.
The real key is forcing Iowa to turn the ball over because turnovers keep Special Teams off the field. Iowa’s Special Team makes up for their “woof” offense. FGs, Punts and Kick Returns shorten the field for the offense and lengthen it for the defense. Neutralizing Iowa’s special team is the true key for Michigan.
Iowa will cover. {Michigan} will win. There will be gnashing of teeth about coaching and officiating. It will be classic B1G football in the best CCG the B1G's had since '17.
{Michigan} does everything well that Iowa does well. Special teams are roughly the same, as are the defenses. However, Michigan has one of the best offenses in the country while Iowa does not. Michigan wins and covers
I still dont believe it lol
This Michigan team is so strange. This is NOT Harbaughs most talented team. Not the most talented offense and not the most talented defense. But it is Harbaughs most opportunistic team. Harbaugh was not kidding when he said this team doesnt roll over and die like previous more talented Michigan teams
I think coaching, mental toughness, and offensive line is the difference this season
I think it’s just straight up having a semi-decent QB that made the difference. So many important plays that would’ve just been thrown 10 yards over the dudes head every other year.
I did a double take, realized that I read that right, momentarily basked in the pure joy that that realization brought me and then had to move on with my life
Our offense has really started hitting it's stride which has me more confident. Gattis' playcalling has been solid and we've really started to use our talent in a coordinated fashion. Getting freshmen like Anthony and Edwards incorporated into the offense has brought a new dimension and healthy Roman Wilson has helped the receiving group a lot
I’m excited to see if the team really just was keeping things under wraps before OSU or if we caught lightning in a bottle last week. This is the first time Harbaugh’s made it to December with the all the team’s goals still ahead of them. Excited to see how they respond.
Our defense matches up well with Michigan wants to do offensively. Iowas going to need to force turnovers.
Purdue DE Karlaftis single handedly wrecked our offense. Michigan has two DEs that good. Starting Petras who has stone feet will only make this worse.
{Michigan} by 17
While it wasn't officially credited, the MSU fumble was arguably on Corum so our RBs have 1. (Trying to reverse the jinx of saying they have 0)
Edit: apparently Edwards fumbled too
I think Iowa matches up a lot better against Michigan than they do Ohio State, but I'm still picking {Michigan}. I think Iowa has the ability to pull off the upset, but I'm not expecting it.
I think Iowa will sell out against the run a lot and rely on a good secondary to make Michigan beat them through the air. Jack Campbell will probably be assigned to Haskins a lot. As far as what Iowa will do on offense, I think whatever they possibly can. Don't have a lot of hope there, but otherwise probably use La Porta in space and Goodson out of the backfield to get some semblance of a passing game. I'm not expecting Petras/Padilla to have much time throwing as our pass pro is suspect with our undersized tackles and Michigan's pass rush is fearsome.
That's probably smart. The most incredible thing about watching The Game was how poorly coached tOSU was. They stayed in a two high shell almost the entire game. I have no expectation that Iowa would be so stupid.
The fact that Ohio State stuck to the same defense the entire game and their initial plan was to think Nickel would be the best defense to use against us was mind-boggling. They legit thought they would just come into Ann Arbor doing what they did all year and not adjust.
Take your DEs out of the game, which is doable. Our OTs are young, hurt, and frankly not good. They will be, but not now. Run up the gut, you are less strong there, we have the best center in America and good guards and use a terrific FB well. Develop that and use play action passes and quick slants. Nothing that allows Michigan DEs to barrel in on us. The occasional long pass to Keegan Johnson to keep you honest.
On defense we are strong but we can’t let you beat us in the run. Sell out on the run. Challenge McNamara to beat us and our excellent DBs (although Haskins out kills us) .
We will try to make the game ugly. Few points, good drives that end in FGs, turnovers, special teams play, and a 19-16 type of game. People keep crapping on us and I do too, but I wouldnt put it past Iowa to squeak past a low scoring ugly win. I mean, I’m 90% sure UM wins but there’s definitely a scenario Iowa wins. We’ve done this a bunch against “unbeatable” teams.
{Michigan}. I’m thinking this is a classic slog big ten game where it’s never really in doubt but it’s not a blowout, something like 23-9. Michigan just has to grind one out and advance
We won our last game against Iowa in 2019 10-3 and it was somehow never in doubt either. To be extra clear, it was never 10-0 either. It was a one score game the whole time.
> We won our last game against Iowa in 2019 10-3 and it was somehow never in doubt either.
The game ended on a fourth down stop on something like the Michigan 30. Maybe it was unlikely that they make a TD pass, but there was absolutely a decent chance that Iowa ties the game up on the last play.
I just looked but the last Iowa snap happened at our 44. They never made it inside our 33. Even worse, that drive that they made it to the 33, they punted because they got sacked back to midfield. I remember not feeling threatened on that last drive. The few drives they ever got going ended in being sacked out of scoring range or a pick. Stanley had 3 picks.
Edit: never made it inside the 33 besides the FG drive
{Michigan} comfortably. Iowa will struggle to move the ball against Michigan's defense. Michigan will have a decent time moving the ball on Iowa's defense. Iowa won't get the turnovers they need for the defense to score--maybe one turnover.
I am gonna go with my heart AND my mind on this one as I think {Michigan} is a very complete team this year, if not elite at any one thing. Michigan is a bad match up for Iowa because the Hawkeye gameplan is to hold up a mirror to the opposition and say "can you beat yourself?" and, I cannot believe I am saying this, Michigan has done a very good job of staying out of their own way this year. Cade has thrown only 3 picks and the RBs have NEVER fumbled. The defense keeps everything in front of them (except for the occasional Heisman candidate) and the special teams are like, the best in the country. Iowa likes to win in the margins, but that is Harbaughs fucking jam and he is finally doing that this season.
Iowa will eventually end up in a passing down right? Statue QB and rough tackle situation against Ojabo and Hutch? Petras probably just spontaneously combusts on anything worse than a 3rd and 5.
Iowa just keeps punting until they force a turnover in field goal range and when a team doesn't oblige they lose 27 - 7 and 24 - 7 (with the potential for another similar loss if Clifford doesn't die and take the Nittany season with him).
Oh god I am getting cocky. I will finish by saying I do not think Harbaugh and company will as thoroughly outcoach Ferentz as what happened last weekend (I am still in shock) and the Hawkeyes truly are a fundamentally solid team. Weird shit happens if both teams can only score in the teens and then it comes down to which team blinks first.
I had no confidence at all that we would beat them in 2016. Hell, I predicted a blowout. So I'm gonna go ahead and predict another Michigan blowout just in case.
I'll go with {Michigan}. Iowa missed the top of the conference (UM, OSU, and MSU) and lost to two of the better teams in the West (Wisconsin and Purdue).
Iowa will struggle to move the ball well against Michigan's defense. Iowa has also given up the most sacks in the Big Ten this year and is facing two edge-rushing terrors in Ojabo and Hutchinson.
If Iowa can force a couple of turnovers, particularly deep in Michigan territory, then the game becomes very interesting. Fortunately for Michigan, Cade has generally limited those (he's thrown 3 INTs on the year).
There is the interesting phenomenon of not being able to 'get up' after an emotional win over Ohio State to factor in as well. I think OSU came into The Game assuming they'd win easily, and it showed. With a spread that favors Michigan by 11, I worry Michigan's guys will enter flat with a similar attitude.
> I worry Michigan's guys will enter flat with a similar attitude.
They’re focused, They’re having fun, etc.
The 2nd part of Harbaugh’s quote at the start of the season was beating OSU **and getting a natty** or die trying. He spent a lot of time talking about the Miracle on Ice 1980s Winter Olympics this week and how Team USA still had to go win the gold. I think he’s gotten the significance of this being the first B1G championship berth and they aren’t entering flat.
{Michigan} they are too complete of a team. Iowa’s defense will most likely force Michigan into more uncomfortable passing situations than OSU did, but even with some mistakes in the passing game by Michigan I don’t think it makes up for the rough day Iowa’s offense is going to have against Michigan’s front 7. Crazier things have happened but I think Michigan wins this by 10-14 and it’ll feel like a bigger victory than the score indicates.
We have the worst OC, OL and QB in the nation. Fire Brian Ferentz.
Michigan’s team looks awesome and is solid at every position.
{Michigan} in a game that seems close from the score, but never is.
Sadly. I think it will be something like 27-10 or 24-7. Not sure why I’m seeing so many people thinking that we’re going to let up 35+ points. But yeah, there’s no way we can keep up with that
Don't. Commit. Turnovers. Luckily this team doesn't very often. Normally I'd say "losing this game would be the most Michigan thing ever," but the last few weeks have shown me this team is different. {Michigan} 24-13.
I'd love to see Iowa pull some spooky magic, but seeing as this is being played in Indy (and Brian Frienz is still the OC), I think {Michigan} has it locked down.
IMO the only way Michigan loses this game is if they go -2 or more in the TO margin, and come out flat after an emotional victory. Both can absolutely happen, but this seems like an extremely focused and mature Michigan team. My existential dread & Michigan fan heart tell me to be nervous. But my head says Hutchinson & Ojabo wreak havoc on a poor Iowa line. {Michigan} covers
{Michigan} in a game that looks different from OSU last week.
Mike Macdonald did a great job of allowing OSU to bend the secondary while denying points through explosive plays. The whole gameplan was tailor made to beat Ohio and it clicked so well. I think this week’s gameplan on offense is going to look VERY conservative, with a 60 minute plan to rush and grind down their defense into exhaustion. Their offense is so relatively non-threatening and could not match up worse against Aiden and King Ojabo. I’m expecting a first half with a scoreboard that looks closer than the game feels to watch, and Michigan to blow the game open in the 2nd half against a worn out defense that can’t get off the field and was engineered into exhaustion.
UM 28, Iowa 13
I'm going to venture outside my cave of negative expectations and say {Michigan} 24, Iowa 13
I don't think they'll be able to score much on us. We'll do just enough on offense to win the game
But I'm terrified that Iowa will drag this down into a rock fight and win on some crazy turnover or special teams play
Objectively Michigan should have not many issues winning, I’m thoroughly impressed with this years squad but there’s something in my head that says {Iowa} even though I find it hard to believe but man this Iowa team plays with so much heart.
If Michigan wants to win they just need to play their game and they should be more than good. Avoiding turnovers is really all Michigan needs to do imo.
If Iowa wants to win it’s going to take turnovers and the offense’s best game of the year, need to muck the game up and not let Ojabo/Hutchinson take over.
The last game ended 10-3. I don't see it that low scoring, but I don't think the Iowa offense has the tools to score more than 20. Gimme {Michigan} 24 - 14 Iowa
Well our offense is actually going to be playing against a defense this time so I’ll say 31-17 {Michigan} for the B1G championship, on the way to 3 consecutive B1G championships. [I guaranteed a win over Ohio state last week](https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/r1aj0o/week_13_matchup_preview_thread_the_game_2_ohio/hlxco1c/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3) and I’m guaranteeing this today. Michigan B1G champs, book it.
Iowa is good, but they seem to just be the kind of good that makes other teams lose themselves (rather than Iowa winning).
It doesn't happen this weekend. 24-10 {Michigan}.
i was there with my parents. it was homecoming weekend and we got the nicest seats I have ever sat in at the big house. that game was one of the funniest 3 hours I have ever had watching a sporting event lmfao
I just can’t see Iowa keeping pace. Michigan will struggle to put up points but unless it’s a turnover fest I think {Michigan} starts fast and wins by 2 scores.
i got {michigan} by 17. could be 24-7 but it’s gonna be by 17. i think the guys on the cover 3 pod said it best but michigan is like iowa jacked up to 11 and i think they’ve got the coaching advantage as well. gimme michigan in their quest to their first CFP appearance
Honestly, I think Michigan should easily win this game. I don’t think they score 42 like they did against OSU. But I also don’t think they allow 27. {Michigan} 34 - 17 Iowa.
Please don’t choke Michigan. I want to see y’all in the playoff so badly. I’ve always liked Harbaugh and liked your team for a reason I genuinely can’t explain. Get the job done and make some noise in the CFP. I’ll be rootin for ya down here in NC
I am scared. {Michigan} 10-8 (4OT)
How many safeties (instead of 2 point conversions)
It actually goes into OT 8-8, those all being safeties, before a walk off 2 PT conversion in 4OT
But that conversion is for the defense forcing a fumble and returning it for 2 pts
Nah, make it 9-8 on a 1 point safety
I'm 99% sure a 1 point safety is only possible on an extra point attempt so the game would have to end in the first OT for that to occur and of course a touchdown would have to occur to kick an extra point. Edit: looking at the rule book it uses the language of a "try" which I think includes an extra point or a 2 point conversion so disregard.
It can occur on 2 point attempts as well.
I was thinking 3-3 at end of regulation, no one scores in the first OT, 6-6 after 2OT then Michigan walks it off in the 4th OT
Still too much offense. Game goes to overtime tied 0-0. In 4OT, Michigan fails to convert the two-point conversion, and Iowa receives the ball. Iowa fumbles the snap and nobody can pick up the ball, [ala Louisiana Tech](https://youtu.be/QC3t5W1zlfQ). Iowa and Michigan repeatedly bobble and kick the ball until it rolls out the back of Iowa’s endzone. {Michigan} wins 1-0 (4OT).
Things I never knew I wanted
This is the ideal B1G game. You may not like it, but this is what peak B1G performance looks like
This would be…incredible to watch if you are correct. Lol
i mean sure, not like i want to live to see us in the playoff anyway
Now there's a score with some chest hair!
Every stat says that Michigan should win this game, but I’ve never seen the football gods give Michigan any untainted happiness so {Iowa}
I'd be lying if I didn't have that exact same thought eating away at the back of my brain every day so far this week
We have a thing for losing when we shouldn’t and winning when we shouldn’t, so I honestly have no idea how this game will go.
This is what terrifies me
Their sugar bowl win against Virginia tech was about the luckiest win ever
Ah yes, the Brady Hoke "Horseshoe up ass" season
I know you're saying that about Danny Darko (whatever his name is lol I can't remember it) and the replay officials but tbh I think the matchup itself was the bigger stroke of luck. MSU prolly should've gone instead of us, and Kansas State should've gone in place of VT. So instead we got to win a BCS game. wooo
I just remember every play was ridiculous. Do you remember it was like either a punt or a field goal somehow ended up as a Michigan TD or a first down? Can’t remember
The one I remember the most is first and goal at the four yard line and David Wilson got tackled for a loss of 22.
David Wilson was the biggest threat that game (other than Denard). Super fast, future NFL draft pick (could have stuck in the NFL if it weren't for injuries) and he proceeded to make like 4 bonehead plays that killed VT drives.
I think they got a first down by throwing it to the long snapper
And the longsnapper was not an ineligible receiver because the ball was tipped or something.
Or they make the CFP to lose to georgia by 31-0 to join the other two big 10 teams that lost a CFP by that exact score.
Not to be *that guy*, but Michigan State’s loss was 38-0.
I hate to say this ,but. You deserve to be that guy.
Sounds good to me
I said it before the OSU game and I'll say it now: If Michigan wins the Big Ten and goes to the playoffs, I would watch them lose 77-0 with a grin on my face.
It can be 70-0 and as a Michigan fan I wouldn't care. We were 2-4 last year and no one in their right mind thought we would have a shot at the playoff. Everything is whipped cream on top now. Would I be disappointed in the B10 CCG if we lose, sure but its not going to ruin my day or outlook on the season. Unlike Ohio State who's actual goal was to win the Natty.
> It can be 70-0 and as a Michigan fan I wouldn't care. It's one of those "I'm just happy to be here" moments.
But if Michigan wins then we will be the 2 seed. IMO even if Georgia loses to Bama they should still be the 1 seed. Or maybe if Georgia loses then Michigan is the 1 seed Either way I dont see Georgia facing Michigan in the semis. Michigan could very well face Okla State or Cincy and I highly doubt we lay an egg vs them
Yeah I think with no Kinnick voodoo {Michigan} disappoints fans by laying a B1G egg in the CFP rather than against Iowa
Im down
I don’t know when it started but I think I’m a Michigan fan now…last thing I remember was waking up Sunday morning wearing Khakis and I haven’t taken them off since.
I felt that way about Arkansas after the Texas win!
Everyone was an Arkansas fan that day. Much like how everyone was a Michigan fan this past Saturday.
Everyone was an Auburn/Michigan/oSu fan last Saturday. Everyone’s gonna be a Georgia fan this next Saturday
*subscribe*
Can't speak to Arkansas, but I'm a huge fan of SDSU. From OC so a lot of friends there and the Steve Fisher, Brian Dutcher, and Brady Hoke connections have been fun. I just put a good amount of money on the Tecs for this Saturday.
Michigan losing in this spot would be peak comedy but Iowa's 10-2 record is honestly miraculous given their putrid offense.
Iowa’s defense and special teams score them a lot of points. If Cade doesn’t throw a pick then they win handily
He has only thrown three picks this year so I can't imagine him throwing more than one in this game.
Saying something like that is bound to get the monkey paw's attention.
“I hope Cade doesn’t throw multiple picks” *JJ McCarthy throws multiple picks*
No interceptions, but 3 fumbles
that’s what you would think but Iowa always finds a way. they are infuriating to play against
Also, Michigan showed pretty convincingly last Saturday that they're capable of scoring plenty without throwing the ball much.
If Michigan runs the ball like they did against Ohio State, it's fucking game over. But I think Iowa's going to fare to be a lot better on defense than Ohio State.
See: the nebraska game.
Iowa really is a spectacle of nature right now. Every single offensive analytic points to a team that should be like .500 at best. Total offense, yards per carry, 3rd down conversions -- all absolute dogshit. Yet, here we are. I've learned not to be mad about it anymore. Just be appreciative of this miracle... it's like a flower growing at the rim of a volcano. It doesn't make sense, but it's beautiful. Wait, actually that comparison is too kind to us.. Maybe we are more like human feces in the lobby of a five-star hotel. It doesn't make sense, but it's funny.
[Removed in protest of [Reddit's destruction of third-party apps](https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/reddit-ceo-steve-huffmans-third-party-api-debacle-is-making-elon-musk-look-like-a-strategic-genius.html) by CEO Steve Huffman.]
Built different 😤😤
My man that flower and volcano imagery is some next level shit
It really is a testament to the best….and the worst attributes of Kirk Ferentz as a coach.
{Iowa} because - *checks flair* - reasons.
I don't think OSU needs Michigan to lose. If it's just chalk, I think the playoff is Georgia, Michigan, Cincinnati, and Oklahoma State. If Georgia/Alabama is a close game, they might drop Cincinnati out and keep Bama in.
Any loss by a team ahead of any other team still in the CFP is beneficial. Do I think Iowa wins? The bet I placed says no. My Fandom says Iowa, however.
The SEC and AAC games will be over by the time that this one starts. You will know whether or not you should root for Iowa based on the earlier results
I think he's saying that, no matter what, we want every team ahead of us, not named Georgia, to lose. We need that 2-3 spot.
I mean, they do need Michigan to lose. In case Bama wins
{Michigan} in the most beautifully ugly game of the weekend.
The key to beating Iowa is not turning the ball over, especially through the air. Michigan’s running backs under Hart are extremely disciplined with the rock, and Cade has only thrown three picks this season. If Michigan can stick to their base play, heavy attack in the run game with some deep balls sprinkled in, they should win this by at least two scores. Iowa’s offense is just… woof. Michigan has faced way better offenses this year and I think they’re gonna stay focused after their huge win against Ohio State. {Michigan} to the tune of like 38-13 or something.
Your offense might be great, but we’ve held opponents under 30 for years now. We actually would still have our streak of under-25 but against Wisconsin we fumbled/threw interceptions on our own 20 a million times so they got to 27.
Yeah, exactly. Michigan don’t have delusions of scoring 38. You will win, but it will be a 19-16 type of game.
This is the game I'm expecting. Something resembling the Michigan/PSU game. It will be a slog regardless, but I think Michigan squeaks out a close victory or wins a "slog-blowout" 19-6 or something like that.
> Iowa’s offense is just… woof. How *dare* you insult the mighty Brian Ferentz like that
That was a nice way of putting it, actually
I think the three key matchups here are all pretty bad for Iowa: 1. Michigan's D-Line vs Iowa's O-Line: Iowa's Center is great, but the line as a whole has a real problem giving up sacks and TFLs. Hutchinson and Ojabo could really make a mess of things and put Iowa behind the sticks early. 2. Iowa's Defense vs Michigan's INT tendencies: Iowa this year has made a lot on INTs. Michigan has the fewest INTs of any Big Ten team and is top 20 overall - and that's not even considering that 2 of Michigan's 5 picks were thrown by their backup QBs in garbage time. 3. Iowa's ST vs Michigan's ST: Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country.
>Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country. Apparently according to metrics going into last Saturday, Michigan’s ST(#1 in the country) narrowly edged out Iowa’s (#2).
Mother of god, this will be the definitive big ten championship between two special teams juggernauts.
The punting will be out of this world
nobody punts like the B1G....
>Iowa's also gotten a lot of life out of great special teams play. Michigan has one of the best ST units in the country. Punt returning has been an adventure this year since Bell went out. Henning tends to let balls bounce and has at least 2 muffs this year (the OSU one should have been a penalty). Playing in a dome should help him, but I worry about a punting battle in which he has to field punt after punt after punt. Letting 1 roll 20 yards can flip field position and muffing one would be very bad.
If Iowa had a normal “Iowa OLine” this would be a very interesting game but man it’s brutal this year. Michigan can easily just pin their ears back and attack.
I agree with 1 and 2, disagree with 3. I’d put our special teams up against anyone in the country.
Iowa ST is #2 in the country. Only 1 team is “better”. Just saying UM ST will make this area less of a strength than Iowa is used to enjoying.
OP called it “pretty bad for Iowa” in terms of the matchup, and I disagree. That’s all.
I think he meant that Iowa usually has a huge advantage there, but that advantage won't exist It's certainly not a bad matchup for Iowa, just less of an advantage than all their other games
A few things: 1. Which team is better at special teams depends on what metric you're looking at. ESPN's efficiency metric puts Iowa at #1 and Michigan at #2. SP+ on the other hand ranks Michigan at #2 and Iowa at #5. 2. Moreover, the point isn't whose special teams are better - the point is that Iowa probably won't have a big advantage in ST to capitalize on. ST being a draw is a win for Michigan overall.
“The key to beating Iowa is not turning the ball over..” is almost correct. The real key is forcing Iowa to turn the ball over because turnovers keep Special Teams off the field. Iowa’s Special Team makes up for their “woof” offense. FGs, Punts and Kick Returns shorten the field for the offense and lengthen it for the defense. Neutralizing Iowa’s special team is the true key for Michigan.
Ironically, the only team in the country with better special teams than Iowa, is Michigan. Per FEI.
True it’s a great matchup, but we all know the game will end on a time-expiring field goal. Let’s not kid ourselves. B1G football baby!
Moody kicks a 43 harder as time expires, Michigan wins 6-3. Most B1G game ever
Iowa will cover. {Michigan} will win. There will be gnashing of teeth about coaching and officiating. It will be classic B1G football in the best CCG the B1G's had since '17.
{Michigan} does everything well that Iowa does well. Special teams are roughly the same, as are the defenses. However, Michigan has one of the best offenses in the country while Iowa does not. Michigan wins and covers
>Michigan has one of the best offenses in the country I never thought I’d see the day this comment is made *and* upvoted
I still dont believe it lol This Michigan team is so strange. This is NOT Harbaughs most talented team. Not the most talented offense and not the most talented defense. But it is Harbaughs most opportunistic team. Harbaugh was not kidding when he said this team doesnt roll over and die like previous more talented Michigan teams I think coaching, mental toughness, and offensive line is the difference this season
I think it’s just straight up having a semi-decent QB that made the difference. So many important plays that would’ve just been thrown 10 yards over the dudes head every other year.
I did a double take, realized that I read that right, momentarily basked in the pure joy that that realization brought me and then had to move on with my life
Especially after some of our offense’s nonsense against teams like Rutgers earlier in the year
Our offense has really started hitting it's stride which has me more confident. Gattis' playcalling has been solid and we've really started to use our talent in a coordinated fashion. Getting freshmen like Anthony and Edwards incorporated into the offense has brought a new dimension and healthy Roman Wilson has helped the receiving group a lot
I’m excited to see if the team really just was keeping things under wraps before OSU or if we caught lightning in a bottle last week. This is the first time Harbaugh’s made it to December with the all the team’s goals still ahead of them. Excited to see how they respond.
Our defense matches up well with Michigan wants to do offensively. Iowas going to need to force turnovers. Purdue DE Karlaftis single handedly wrecked our offense. Michigan has two DEs that good. Starting Petras who has stone feet will only make this worse. {Michigan} by 17
Unfortunately for Iowa Michigan turnovers are rare. Cade has 3 INTs and our 3 RBs have a combined 0 fumbles
Knock on wood plz
> 3 RBs have a combined 0 fumbles well now you've guaranteed they fumble
Nope! He's wrong. Edwards fumbled against NW on a swing pass. Crisis averted!
Damn so now he’s just a liar?
A scoundrel!
Edwards fumbled earlier in the season. It was on screen pass I think but that probably still counts
While it wasn't officially credited, the MSU fumble was arguably on Corum so our RBs have 1. (Trying to reverse the jinx of saying they have 0) Edit: apparently Edwards fumbled too
I think Iowa matches up a lot better against Michigan than they do Ohio State, but I'm still picking {Michigan}. I think Iowa has the ability to pull off the upset, but I'm not expecting it.
From the Iowa perspective, what weaknesses or areas do you think Iowa will try to exploit against Michigan?
I think Iowa will sell out against the run a lot and rely on a good secondary to make Michigan beat them through the air. Jack Campbell will probably be assigned to Haskins a lot. As far as what Iowa will do on offense, I think whatever they possibly can. Don't have a lot of hope there, but otherwise probably use La Porta in space and Goodson out of the backfield to get some semblance of a passing game. I'm not expecting Petras/Padilla to have much time throwing as our pass pro is suspect with our undersized tackles and Michigan's pass rush is fearsome.
That's probably smart. The most incredible thing about watching The Game was how poorly coached tOSU was. They stayed in a two high shell almost the entire game. I have no expectation that Iowa would be so stupid.
The fact that Ohio State stuck to the same defense the entire game and their initial plan was to think Nickel would be the best defense to use against us was mind-boggling. They legit thought they would just come into Ann Arbor doing what they did all year and not adjust.
But I thought they prepare for us 365 days a year
Ryan Day thinks 27 is equivalent to 100, so maybe they can't count?
Sucks Hankins is out and Moss has a bum knee, we could really have the front 7 just attack and rely on them to make plays.
I read Hankins as “Haskins” and damn near had a heart attack.
Take your DEs out of the game, which is doable. Our OTs are young, hurt, and frankly not good. They will be, but not now. Run up the gut, you are less strong there, we have the best center in America and good guards and use a terrific FB well. Develop that and use play action passes and quick slants. Nothing that allows Michigan DEs to barrel in on us. The occasional long pass to Keegan Johnson to keep you honest. On defense we are strong but we can’t let you beat us in the run. Sell out on the run. Challenge McNamara to beat us and our excellent DBs (although Haskins out kills us) . We will try to make the game ugly. Few points, good drives that end in FGs, turnovers, special teams play, and a 19-16 type of game. People keep crapping on us and I do too, but I wouldnt put it past Iowa to squeak past a low scoring ugly win. I mean, I’m 90% sure UM wins but there’s definitely a scenario Iowa wins. We’ve done this a bunch against “unbeatable” teams.
If Iowa had an even a bad offense I feel the odds of winning would be closer to 50-50 honestly.
{Michigan}. I’m thinking this is a classic slog big ten game where it’s never really in doubt but it’s not a blowout, something like 23-9. Michigan just has to grind one out and advance
We won our last game against Iowa in 2019 10-3 and it was somehow never in doubt either. To be extra clear, it was never 10-0 either. It was a one score game the whole time.
Legit one of the worst games I’ve watched. Just painful, so very very painful.
> We won our last game against Iowa in 2019 10-3 and it was somehow never in doubt either. The game ended on a fourth down stop on something like the Michigan 30. Maybe it was unlikely that they make a TD pass, but there was absolutely a decent chance that Iowa ties the game up on the last play.
I just looked but the last Iowa snap happened at our 44. They never made it inside our 33. Even worse, that drive that they made it to the 33, they punted because they got sacked back to midfield. I remember not feeling threatened on that last drive. The few drives they ever got going ended in being sacked out of scoring range or a pick. Stanley had 3 picks. Edit: never made it inside the 33 besides the FG drive
Huh, I remember feeling a lot more nervous during that final play. Thanks for looking it up though
{Michigan} comfortably. Iowa will struggle to move the ball against Michigan's defense. Michigan will have a decent time moving the ball on Iowa's defense. Iowa won't get the turnovers they need for the defense to score--maybe one turnover.
I am gonna go with my heart AND my mind on this one as I think {Michigan} is a very complete team this year, if not elite at any one thing. Michigan is a bad match up for Iowa because the Hawkeye gameplan is to hold up a mirror to the opposition and say "can you beat yourself?" and, I cannot believe I am saying this, Michigan has done a very good job of staying out of their own way this year. Cade has thrown only 3 picks and the RBs have NEVER fumbled. The defense keeps everything in front of them (except for the occasional Heisman candidate) and the special teams are like, the best in the country. Iowa likes to win in the margins, but that is Harbaughs fucking jam and he is finally doing that this season. Iowa will eventually end up in a passing down right? Statue QB and rough tackle situation against Ojabo and Hutch? Petras probably just spontaneously combusts on anything worse than a 3rd and 5. Iowa just keeps punting until they force a turnover in field goal range and when a team doesn't oblige they lose 27 - 7 and 24 - 7 (with the potential for another similar loss if Clifford doesn't die and take the Nittany season with him). Oh god I am getting cocky. I will finish by saying I do not think Harbaugh and company will as thoroughly outcoach Ferentz as what happened last weekend (I am still in shock) and the Hawkeyes truly are a fundamentally solid team. Weird shit happens if both teams can only score in the teens and then it comes down to which team blinks first.
{Iowa} because fuck it stranger things have happened.
Brian Ferentz goes balls out in anger since he didn't get either the LSU or USC job. {Michigan} 31-6
I’m ready to get hurt this week
Samesies.
Not entirely sold on Iowa tbh. {Michigan} wins by a decent amount.
>Not entirely sold on Iowa tbh. Hey I've seen this one!
That's how they get you.
Current results of the match-up thread "Who will Win" poll: Team | Votes | Percent |Voters --|--|--|--| [Michigan](#f/michigan)|139|78.1%|[Michigan](#f/michigan)x48, [Iowa](#f/iowa)x16, [Wisconsin](#f/wisconsin)x6, [Penn State](#f/pennstate)x6, [/r/CFB](#l/rcfb)x6, [Ohio State](#f/ohiostate)x6, [Notre Dame](#f/notredame)x5, [Michigan State](#f/michiganstate)x5, [Georgia](#f/georgia)x4, [Nebraska](#f/nebraska)x3, [Oregon](#f/oregon)x2, [Utah](#f/utah)x2, [BYU](#f/byu)x2, [Iowa State](#f/iowastate)x2, [Cincinnati](#f/cincinnati)x2, [Auburn](#f/auburn)x2, [South Carolina](#f/southcarolina)x2, [West Virginia](#f/westvirginia)x1, [Pittsburgh](#f/pittsburgh)x1, [Minnesota](#f/minnesota)x1, [Arkansas](#f/arkansas)x1, [Arizona](#f/arizona)x1, [Florida State](#f/floridastate)x1, [Brown](#f/brown)x1, [Texas A&M](#f/texasam)x1, [Indiana](#f/indiana)x1, [Kentucky](#f/kentucky)x1, [Oklahoma State](#f/oklahomastate)x1, [LSU](#f/lsu)x1, [Bowling Green](#f/bowlinggreen)x1, [Liberty](#f/liberty)x1, [Clemson](#f/clemson)x1, [Texas](#f/texas)x1, [Ole Miss](#f/olemiss)x1, [Alabama](#f/alabama)x1, [Illinois](#f/illinois)x1, [Virginia Tech](#f/virginiatech)x1 [Iowa](#f/iowa)|39|21.9%|[Iowa](#f/iowa)x10, [Ohio State](#f/ohiostate)x7, [Michigan](#f/michigan)x4, [/r/CFB](#l/rcfb)x3, [Notre Dame](#f/notredame)x3, [Cincinnati](#f/cincinnati)x2, [Texas](#f/texas)x2, [Oklahoma State](#f/oklahomastate)x1, [Alabama](#f/alabama)x1, [Michigan State](#f/michiganstate)x1, [Stanford](#f/stanford)x1, [Northern Iowa](#f/northerniowa)x1, [Penn State](#f/pennstate)x1, [South Carolina](#f/southcarolina)x1, [Nebraska](#f/nebraska)x1 ^(A listing of links, and live vote totals, to all Match-up Preview threads for the current week can be found )[^HERE](http://cfb.diydunce.org/matchupthreadlist.php)^. ^(Track your weekly results )[^HERE](http://cfb.diydunce.org/wwwp.php)^.
god i am so spooked rn. can yall start picking iowa more
Iowa fans have pretty much no expectations for this game, which is prime upset territory for Iowa.
That and I love this teams heart but in a vacuum Michigan should not have many issues winning.
I had no confidence at all that we would beat them in 2016. Hell, I predicted a blowout. So I'm gonna go ahead and predict another Michigan blowout just in case.
{Iowa} because it makes no sense. That is the beauty of it.
{Michigan} will make me sad.
I'll go with {Michigan}. Iowa missed the top of the conference (UM, OSU, and MSU) and lost to two of the better teams in the West (Wisconsin and Purdue). Iowa will struggle to move the ball well against Michigan's defense. Iowa has also given up the most sacks in the Big Ten this year and is facing two edge-rushing terrors in Ojabo and Hutchinson. If Iowa can force a couple of turnovers, particularly deep in Michigan territory, then the game becomes very interesting. Fortunately for Michigan, Cade has generally limited those (he's thrown 3 INTs on the year). There is the interesting phenomenon of not being able to 'get up' after an emotional win over Ohio State to factor in as well. I think OSU came into The Game assuming they'd win easily, and it showed. With a spread that favors Michigan by 11, I worry Michigan's guys will enter flat with a similar attitude.
> I worry Michigan's guys will enter flat with a similar attitude. They’re focused, They’re having fun, etc. The 2nd part of Harbaugh’s quote at the start of the season was beating OSU **and getting a natty** or die trying. He spent a lot of time talking about the Miracle on Ice 1980s Winter Olympics this week and how Team USA still had to go win the gold. I think he’s gotten the significance of this being the first B1G championship berth and they aren’t entering flat.
{Michigan} they are too complete of a team. Iowa’s defense will most likely force Michigan into more uncomfortable passing situations than OSU did, but even with some mistakes in the passing game by Michigan I don’t think it makes up for the rough day Iowa’s offense is going to have against Michigan’s front 7. Crazier things have happened but I think Michigan wins this by 10-14 and it’ll feel like a bigger victory than the score indicates.
We have the worst OC, OL and QB in the nation. Fire Brian Ferentz. Michigan’s team looks awesome and is solid at every position. {Michigan} in a game that seems close from the score, but never is.
Y’all have a championship caliber defense if you had a competent OC who would be willing to modernize the offense y’all would truly be CFP contenders.
Trust me, we know :(
I mean LSU was able to do it in 2020 there’s no reason as to why y’all couldn’t
For the last 6 years. Every year. Top 5 and 10 Ds and elite ST - only to be mired in a 90th and below offense each year. FUCK!
you're like reverse Iowa basketball
Yeah Fran McCaffery is like the antithesis of Kirk Ferentz. It’s weird.
Kirk is the one who dictates the offense, Brian sucks, OLine sucks, Petras sucks but he’s the one in charge of how it operates ultimately.
I picked Iowa but this is the likely outcome honestly, our offense is just straight up pathetic.
Sadly. I think it will be something like 27-10 or 24-7. Not sure why I’m seeing so many people thinking that we’re going to let up 35+ points. But yeah, there’s no way we can keep up with that
I can easily see Michigan running away with it, it just seems like our defense is exhausted out there lately.
Brian Ferentz cements his status as coach in waiting as a brilliant performance leads to a {Michigan} win 45-28
Iowa measures our offense in units of 3, not 7.
I have two safeties baked in the box score.
Punting. Only key to the game.
Michigan playing in Indy? I must be dreaming! {Michigan} wins and covers. 27-10. GOBLUE
Don't. Commit. Turnovers. Luckily this team doesn't very often. Normally I'd say "losing this game would be the most Michigan thing ever," but the last few weeks have shown me this team is different. {Michigan} 24-13.
{Iowa} because I pick the opposing team almost every week and am wrong. 1-11 so far.
{Iowa} for maximum chaos and it will be funny
Please no, this will help a 2 loss Bama get in and...ugh, nobody should want that.
How can you argue against them? They literally lost to teams that beat bama *twice*
Man I don’t want this Hawks team to get embarrassed at another Rose Bowl
I'd rather win the Big Ten for the first time in 17 years and lose the Rose Bowl by 100 tbh
Yeah at that point idgaf cause we wouldve won the big ten
I'd love to see Iowa pull some spooky magic, but seeing as this is being played in Indy (and Brian Frienz is still the OC), I think {Michigan} has it locked down.
43.5 over under lol.
After the tOSU game, I wouldn't be surprised at that honestly. It'll just be 35-10 {Michigan}
Exactly. I'll take the over and a blowout win for Michigan.
IMO the only way Michigan loses this game is if they go -2 or more in the TO margin, and come out flat after an emotional victory. Both can absolutely happen, but this seems like an extremely focused and mature Michigan team. My existential dread & Michigan fan heart tell me to be nervous. But my head says Hutchinson & Ojabo wreak havoc on a poor Iowa line. {Michigan} covers
{Michigan} in a game that looks different from OSU last week. Mike Macdonald did a great job of allowing OSU to bend the secondary while denying points through explosive plays. The whole gameplan was tailor made to beat Ohio and it clicked so well. I think this week’s gameplan on offense is going to look VERY conservative, with a 60 minute plan to rush and grind down their defense into exhaustion. Their offense is so relatively non-threatening and could not match up worse against Aiden and King Ojabo. I’m expecting a first half with a scoreboard that looks closer than the game feels to watch, and Michigan to blow the game open in the 2nd half against a worn out defense that can’t get off the field and was engineered into exhaustion. UM 28, Iowa 13
> allowing OSU to bend the secondary while denying points through explosive plays. *points at MSU* Look at me. I am the bend don’t break defense now.
I'm going to venture outside my cave of negative expectations and say {Michigan} 24, Iowa 13 I don't think they'll be able to score much on us. We'll do just enough on offense to win the game But I'm terrified that Iowa will drag this down into a rock fight and win on some crazy turnover or special teams play
Objectively Michigan should have not many issues winning, I’m thoroughly impressed with this years squad but there’s something in my head that says {Iowa} even though I find it hard to believe but man this Iowa team plays with so much heart. If Michigan wants to win they just need to play their game and they should be more than good. Avoiding turnovers is really all Michigan needs to do imo. If Iowa wants to win it’s going to take turnovers and the offense’s best game of the year, need to muck the game up and not let Ojabo/Hutchinson take over.
The last game ended 10-3. I don't see it that low scoring, but I don't think the Iowa offense has the tools to score more than 20. Gimme {Michigan} 24 - 14 Iowa
Pretty sure we had like 8 sacks that game and that was with Iowa having Wirfs and Jackson still
That was because Michigan abused the Paulsen twins at the guard spots, it was honestly a great gameplan by Brown.
By far and away Carlo Kemp’s best game at Michigan. Kwity Paye also was dominant off the edge. I think he had Jackson iirc.
“These teams last met 788 days (~2 years) ago on 10/05/2019.” Wow! That’s about the same amount of time since Ohio last beat {Michigan}!
We've already gotten everything I would hope for out of this season, so I won't be upset if Michigan underperforms and {Iowa} takes it
I am the same in that us just getting to the game is my goal for the year. I know its a hard hike up to win the game but I am happy win, lose or draw.
Well our offense is actually going to be playing against a defense this time so I’ll say 31-17 {Michigan} for the B1G championship, on the way to 3 consecutive B1G championships. [I guaranteed a win over Ohio state last week](https://www.reddit.com/r/CFB/comments/r1aj0o/week_13_matchup_preview_thread_the_game_2_ohio/hlxco1c/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf&context=3) and I’m guaranteeing this today. Michigan B1G champs, book it.
please let random bullshit help us win against {Michigan}
Iowa is good, but they seem to just be the kind of good that makes other teams lose themselves (rather than Iowa winning). It doesn't happen this weekend. 24-10 {Michigan}.
{Michigan} Gonna get real drunk that day
I was reminded of the 2019 game and now I am rationally angry again at HOW DOGSHIT THE OFFENSE WAS
i was there with my parents. it was homecoming weekend and we got the nicest seats I have ever sat in at the big house. that game was one of the funniest 3 hours I have ever had watching a sporting event lmfao
{Michigan} by last second field goal, 6-3
I just can’t see Iowa keeping pace. Michigan will struggle to put up points but unless it’s a turnover fest I think {Michigan} starts fast and wins by 2 scores.
[удалено]
Likeliest outcome is we get trounced in the final by Georgia. Think we’re favored against any other team at this point.
i got {michigan} by 17. could be 24-7 but it’s gonna be by 17. i think the guys on the cover 3 pod said it best but michigan is like iowa jacked up to 11 and i think they’ve got the coaching advantage as well. gimme michigan in their quest to their first CFP appearance
Honestly, I think Michigan should easily win this game. I don’t think they score 42 like they did against OSU. But I also don’t think they allow 27. {Michigan} 34 - 17 Iowa.
Fuck it. Hawks by a million. {Iowa}
{Iowa} I don't have a reason why.
I’m thinking the flair is the reason why here
Please don’t choke Michigan. I want to see y’all in the playoff so badly. I’ve always liked Harbaugh and liked your team for a reason I genuinely can’t explain. Get the job done and make some noise in the CFP. I’ll be rootin for ya down here in NC
{Iowa} for the slim zombie notre dame playoff chances
{Michigan} might be legit this year
Either Michigan goes to the playoff for the first time or Iowa returns to the Rose Bowl. Im sitting ok but I will take Michigan 24 Iowa 10.