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College GameDay crew breaks down Michigan-Iowa matchup for B1G Championship Game
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Championship Week is here with some of the biggest matchups of the season. The B1G Championship Game between No. 2 Michigan and No. 13 Iowa will not be a big-time scoring game, but it could have major implications for the College Football Playoff. If Michigan wins, the Wolverines will go to the Playoff for the first time in program history.
Michigan comes into this game with a conservative passing game, but an aggressive rushing offense. Michigan ranks 14th in the nation in points per game (37.3) and 10th in rushing yards per game (224.9). The pride and joy of Michigan is their defense that ranks ninth in the nation in points allowed per game (17.2).
Iowa comes into this game against Michigan by trusting solely on the dominating performance of their defense that ranks tenth in the nation in points allowed per game (17.2). Their offense does not light up the scoreboard, but they can exploit the opponent’s weaknesses on defense.
The B1G Championship matchup was brought up on College GameDay, where the analysts broke down what to watch for.
Former Heisman Trophy winner, former Michigan star, and ESPN CFB analyst Desmond Howard praised Iowa and the potential to create an upset:
“People are discounting Iowa,” explained Howard. “They don’t have some of the flash people want to see but they’re a good football team…I think Iowa might be a tougher game than last week (for Michigan).”
ESPN CFB analyst Kirk Herbstreit had this to say about the potential of Michigan coming after the big win over Ohio State:
“When you win a game like that and you have a moment like that…it is hard to get back for that next game…the leadership from this team,” explained Herbstreit. “I don’t believe the leaders on this team will allow a hangover.”
ESPN CFB analyst David Pollack praised Michigan, specifically their defense:
“The way Michigan’s built, they’re not a finesse team,” Pollack said. “They’re a power team, they’re a defensive team…I think they’ll be ready.”