A panel of Detroit Free Press sports analysts overwhelmingly picked the No. 18 Michigan Wolverines to defeat the No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes on Saturday, Sept.
26, anticipating a defensive battle in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The matchup marks head coach Kyle Whittingham's first Big Ten game with Michigan, pitting his program against Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz, who stands as the conference's all-time wins leader with 216 career victories.
Journalist Tony Garcia highlighted the expected emphasis on fundamental physical play for the upcoming matchup.
"This should be an old-fashioned Big Ten game. Don't expect a ton of explosive plays, deep passes or sizzle.
This is about the meat and potatoes of football: running, tackling and discipline.
Iowa does some of that as well as anybody, but U-M has had time to clean up its act.
If the Wolverines are able to protect the ball, they should be able to stymie the Iowa offense and get some short fields.
From there, Underwood has to capitalize," said Garcia, predicting a 19-13 Michigan win.
Columnist Carlos Monarrez stressed the statistical parity and offensive struggles characterizing both programs through three games.
"Michigan is ranked in the lower teens. Iowa is ranked in the lower teens.
Michigan is 3-0. Iowa is 3-0.
Michigan can’t score. (Sorry, 52 points against UTEP doesn’t count.
) Iowa can’t score.
These two teams should hit the field in Spider-Man costumes, point to each other and wait to see who comes up with the best defensive stop late.
It's at the Big House, so the Wolverines get the nod," said Monarrez, projecting a 16-13 final score.
Writer Rainer Sabin expects home-field advantage to decide a defensive standoff.
"This matchup has the makings of a classic Big Ten rock fight. In their lone tests against Power Four competition, both teams were carried by their defenses.
It’s hard to imagine the Wolverines or Hawkeyes generating much offense Saturday.
But Michigan, with the home crowd behind it, scores just enough points to prevail," said Sabin, selecting Michigan 20-16.
Analyst Jeff Seidel stood as the lone dissenter, citing Michigan's statistical rankings in offense.
"I’m sorry.
I’m just not buying the Wolverines, not with a passing offense ranked No. 109 in the country and a rushing game that’s No. 90.
Sure, Michigan beat Oklahoma. But Oklahoma barely beat New Mexico, 14-6, last week.
I still think Kyle Whittingham was the right hire. But he hasn’t had enough time to fix it yet.
Iowa is tough, physical, well coached, can run the ball and stop it – the complete package the Wolverines will be.
But they aren’t there yet," said Seidel, choosing Iowa to win 24-21.
Columnist Shawn Windsor anticipated a tight outcome that keeps Michigan's postseason ambitions active.
"The Hawkeyes haven't played anybody.
Neither have the Wolverines, not after Oklahoma barely beat New Mexico last week and scored 14 points while doing it.
So maybe we don't have a bead just yet on the vaunted Michigan defense.
Iowa isn't the school to give it a test, either.
But the Wolverines will do enough to win their Big Ten opener and keep the College Football Playoff dream alive," said Windsor, picking a 19-16 Michigan victory.
Kickoff is set for 3:30 p. m.
at Michigan Stadium, where Whittingham seeks his 181st career coaching victory.
