ESPN's CFB Live crew previews Week 5 'trap game' for Michigan
A clash of B1G teams is happening on Saturday as Michigan travels to Iowa to take on the Hawkeyes.
Michigan enters Saturday as 10.5-point favorites, and have typically dominated, leading the series 43-15 overall. However, Michigan hasn’t won in Kinnick Stadium since 2005. The Wolverines are 4-0 on the season and are coming off a hard-fought win against conference opponent Maryland.
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh realizes the challenges of an away game in Kinnick Stadium, saying on Monday that the field is where “top-5 teams go to die.” That’s a concerning outlook, considering the Wolverines are currently No. 4.
The members of ESPN’s CFB Live crew agree with Harbough, saying the contest feels like a “trap game” for the Wolverines.
When asked if the matchup felt like a trap for Michigan, analyst Sam Acho agreed wholeheartedly
“Oh, it absolutely does. Iowa offensively is not very good… but the issue here is can Michigan run the ball? If Michigan can run the ball, they’ll be able to find a way to win in Kinnick. If not, it’ll be very very difficult.”
Will the Wolverines be able to tune out the noise and walk away with the win? Stanford Steve says it won’t be easy.
“Easier said than done. I look at that Michigan offense, and the biggest factor to me is JJ McCarthy. Going on the road, his first (road) start… it’s not just Michigan, it’s everybody that goes (to Kinnick). It is a tough place to play, and when you look at how uncharacteristic Iowa is as a team this year… you get a different kind of animal when you get Iowa at Kinnick Stadium”
Watch the full details from ESPN’s CFB Live below: