Alex Hickey: Iowa's odds against Michigan boil down to 1 simple question

The Wolverines beat the Hawkeyes 42-3 to clinch a spot in the College Football Playoff. Michigan returned 87% of its offensive production from last season. Iowa brought back 84% from the previous season's production.

Iowa and Michigan are playing in a Big Ten championship game rematch at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. Michigan won the last championship by 39 points. The teams have different offensive lines, but Michigan returned 87% of its production from last season. Iowa brought back 84% and is ranked 16th in the country.

Michigan's quarterback JJ McCarthy took over for Cade McNamara after a win over Hawaii in Week 2. McCarthy is more of a risk-taker than McNara. Iowa's defense is built to capitalize any time a quarterback makes the wrong decision. The Hawkeyes scored 2 defensive touchdowns in their 27-10 win at Rutgers. Alex Hickey: Iowa and Michigan are evenly matched. He says the game is a toss-up.

Iowa's offense is ranked 131th in the FBS. The Hawkeyes are playing against Michigan. Iowa's running game is improving, but the team's rushing average is still low. The offensive line is not getting it done. Michigan has a solid defensive front anchored by tackle Mazi Smith. It's possible that Iowa will lose the game. Alex Hickey is a senior at Iowa. He is also a member of the Football Bowl Subdivision. His team is currently ranked 118th.

Iowa needs to win the turnover battle and takeaways to create a short field or a defensive touchdown to flip the script from last season. Iowa is only allowing 2.2 yards per carry, so the Hawks may be stout enough to dare Michigan to beat them through the air. This is Michigan's first road game this season, and the Wolverines haven't dealt with a hostile atmosphere.