Keys to the game from Michigan Rivals:
Start fast to take advantage of an Iowa anomaly
Iowa has allowed 68 points in the first quarter this season while scoring just 46, and they flip the script quickly. They have outscored opponents every quarter after that, with their largest margin coming in the second quarter (+53). They have outscored opponents by 35 points in both the third and fourth quarters.
Michigan’s offense has put up 75 points in first quarters this season while the defense has started games particularly well, allowing a paltry 19 points in first quarters this year. The second quarter has been even better for Michigan in terms of scoring margin, with the Wolverines putting up 138 points in second quarters and allowing just 54. Iowa also has their highest scoring output in the second quarter (120 points), which underscores the importance of the first 15 minutes of the game. So how, exactly, is Michigan supposed to go about starting fast?
Against Purdue:
Analytics said, team that scores first, wins. Purdue won 24-7. Iowa's defense and special teams have been more up and down, since Iowa's 2021, 0-2 mark. It has been interesting to listen to Don Patterson, since this game. Of course, turnovers burned Iowa, as well.
Against Wisconsin:
The Hawks trailed 20-0 at the half. Three ugly second quarter turnovers.
The Hawkeyes hopefully find the stars align heading into Game 13 ranked 13 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings?
Clearly, this is a very good Michigan team. Ranked #2 and 11-1 on the season. At the same time, Kirk, Phil and the Hawkeyes have been here before, but with another team, back in 2011 or 2016.
It would sure be fun for the Hawkeye staff and Kirk Ferentz to have 11-2 heading to Monday's visit
JUST DO IT .... HAWKS BY A MILLION
Unfinished business in Indy on Saturday night, On Iowa!
Start fast to take advantage of an Iowa anomaly
Iowa has allowed 68 points in the first quarter this season while scoring just 46, and they flip the script quickly. They have outscored opponents every quarter after that, with their largest margin coming in the second quarter (+53). They have outscored opponents by 35 points in both the third and fourth quarters.
Michigan’s offense has put up 75 points in first quarters this season while the defense has started games particularly well, allowing a paltry 19 points in first quarters this year. The second quarter has been even better for Michigan in terms of scoring margin, with the Wolverines putting up 138 points in second quarters and allowing just 54. Iowa also has their highest scoring output in the second quarter (120 points), which underscores the importance of the first 15 minutes of the game. So how, exactly, is Michigan supposed to go about starting fast?
Against Purdue:
Analytics said, team that scores first, wins. Purdue won 24-7. Iowa's defense and special teams have been more up and down, since Iowa's 2021, 0-2 mark. It has been interesting to listen to Don Patterson, since this game. Of course, turnovers burned Iowa, as well.
Against Wisconsin:
The Hawks trailed 20-0 at the half. Three ugly second quarter turnovers.
The Hawkeyes hopefully find the stars align heading into Game 13 ranked 13 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings?
Clearly, this is a very good Michigan team. Ranked #2 and 11-1 on the season. At the same time, Kirk, Phil and the Hawkeyes have been here before, but with another team, back in 2011 or 2016.
- Against Ohio State, Michigan just wasn't stopped very much. Held to 2 punts all game by a finesse Ohio State game, who had major issues stopping the run @ Minnesota and against Oregon
- Only 1 mistake, QB Cade McNamara with only his third INT in nine B1G games
- Michigan did have close wins in B1G play: Rutgers (20-13), at Nebraska (32-29) and at Penn State (27-21) - all three teams ran effectively against Michigan's run defense, forced Michigan punts (4-5)
- Tackling
- Fumbling
- Catching
- Physicality and assignment football
- Who wins the red zone?
It would sure be fun for the Hawkeye staff and Kirk Ferentz to have 11-2 heading to Monday's visit
JUST DO IT .... HAWKS BY A MILLION
Unfinished business in Indy on Saturday night, On Iowa!
