Michigan vs Iowa Prediction
The Iowa Hawkeyes will play the Michigan Wolverines on Saturday night in the Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana. Iowa was able to get through a pretty bad Big Ten West, while Michigan made it through the Penn State/Ohio State gauntlet to come out of the East. Let's take a look at the betting matchup and the Michigan vs Iowa prediction.
Iowa Preview
The Iowa Hawkeyes are 10-2 (7-2) this season after they defeated Nebraska by a score of 13-10 in their last game. Iowa blew a 10-0 second quarter lead, but they forced a turnover with under a minute left and converted it into a game winning field goal to end the regular season with a win. The Hawkeyes were out gained by a total of 264-257 and forced three turnovers in the game. Iowa’s two losses this season came against Penn State (31-0) and Minnesota (12-10). The Iowa offense was not good this season and scored fewer than 14 points in three of their last five games. The Hawkeyes offense is averaging 18 points per game with 123.4 passing yards per game and 123.9 rushing yards per game, while going 31% on third downs. Deacon Hill has thrown for 976 yards, five touchdowns, and six interceptions for the Wolverines this season. Leshon Williams has rushed for 779 yards and one touchdown, while Nico Ragaini has caught 26 passes for 227 yards. The Iowa defense is giving up 12.2 points against per game this season.
Michigan Preview
The Michigan Wolverines are 12-0 (9-0) this year after they defeated Ohio State by a score of 30-24 last week. Michigan led 14-10 at the half and they extended their lead to 27-17 in the fourth quarter, before holding on for the win. The Wolverines were out gained by a total of 378-338 and forced two turnovers in the game. Michigan has been dealing with a lot of outside distractions, but they have played very well this season and look like one of the top teams in the country. The Michigan offense is scoring 37.6 points per game with 224.8 passing yards per game and 169.8 rushing yards per game, while going 49.6% on third downs. J.J. McCarthy has thrown for 2,483 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions for the Wolverines this season. Blake Corum has rushed for 976 yards and 22 scores, while Roman Wilson has caught 40 passes for 648 yards and 11 touchdowns. The Michigan defense is allowing 10.3 points against per game and is the best scoring defense in the country.
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Facts
- Iowa has won six of its last seven games as an underdog against non-AP-ranked teams.
- Iowa has failed to cover the spread in each of its last five matches as an underdog when playing with a rest advantage.
- Each of Iowa's last seven games against conference opponents have gone UNDER the total points line.
Michigan Wolverines Team Facts
- Michigan has won each of its last 24 games against conference opponents.
- Michigan has covered the spread in four of its last five matches when playing with a rest disadvantage.
- Michigan has won the first half in 12 of its last 13 games against conference opponents.
- Five of Michigan's last six games against non-AP-ranked teams have gone OVER the total points line.
Matchup/League Facts
- Michigan rank 13th among FBS teams for points per game this season (37.6).
- The Michigan are one of only 14 FBS teams undefeated in home games this season ((7-0)).
Michigan vs Iowa Betting Prediction
Iowa comes into this game with 10 wins and is ranked #16 in the country, but they are going to get blown out here. The Hawkeyes have a solid defense, but they are not a typical 10-win team. Iowa was able to take advantage of a really bad Big Ten West this season and they were able to avoid Michigan and Ohio State in the regular season, but they were blown out by Penn State earlier in the season. Michigan is coming off of a very emotional game against OSU, so they may start slow, but I expect Michigan to blow Iowa out here. Iowa’s offense isn’t going to score more than 10 points, but I do expect Michigan to put up 30+ points. Take the over here.
