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Hawkeyes looking forward to challenge, opportunity against Michigan in the Big House
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Iowa has already played one B1G game and a rivalry game on the road this season, but Saturday will be the biggest challenge Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have faced yet. They’re all looking forward to the opportunity.
Saturday, No. 14 Iowa will put its perfect 4-0 record on the line against No. 19 Michigan in Ann Arbor in a clash of two top 25 teams. It’s one of two marquee matchups in the B1G this week, with Michigan State-Ohio State being the other.
Tuesday, several Iowa players met with the media to preview the upcoming contest with Michigan. They’re all looking forward to the chance to play in one of the best stadiums in college football, against one of the top teams in the conference.
“I’m excited. It’s a B1G opponent. It’s football, like every week,” said running back Mekhi Sargent, according to IowaFBLive. “And I’m a competitor.”
Linebacker Djimon Colbert says he’s always looked forward to playing in the spotlight at Ann Arbor.
“It’s something I always looked forward to growing up,” Colbert said. “It’s exciting. We have to be ready for the crowd noise. It’s going to be pretty loud and it’s going be a big-time game.”
For defensive back Michael Ojemudia, Saturday will serve as a bit of a homecoming for the Farmington Hills (Mich.) native. This one is going to feel a little bit different for him.
“There’s something a little bit special about it,” Ojemudia said. “But we’re going to play in a lot of big games this season. Especially for me, it’s going to be a little personal.”
Iowa will enter Saturday’s game having won five of the last six matchups against Michigan. But the Hawkeyes haven’t won a road game against a ranked opponent since a 40-10 win over No. 23 Northwestern in 2015. Iowa has its work cut out for it.
Sounds like the Hawkeyes are pretty locked in, though.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB