Michigan @ Iowa Preview
- Can Michigan’s offensive line give some life to a dead Michigan ground game?
- Carlos Brown didn’t make the trip to Iowa City on reports of a concussion he encountered earlier in the week and rumor has it that Boubacar Cissoko didn’t make the trip either
- Another rumor that has been flying around – Michigan may be wearing white pants instead of maize pants for the first time since the 1970’s. Over on Mgoblog – there is quite the thread on the topic…
Michigan Unis
- Apparently Denard Robinson was seen this week in practice in the same backfield as Tate Forcier – so it will be interesting to see what kind of offensive wrinkles RR throws in to the package this week
How Michigan can get a Win
- Solid Offensive Line Play
This is an obvious one. Michigan couldn’t run the ball last week – the running game was PATHETIC. Carlos Brown isn’t playing, so Brandon Minor is going to get most of the carries. Perhaps Minor can get into some type of rhythm? We’ll see, it all depends on the dudes up front and whether or not they can open some holes and control Iowa’s good front 7. Expect to see Mike Shaw in the mix to change it up a bit. Another thing to keep your eye on will be the capacity that Denard Robinson is used. - The Turnover Battle
Another obvious one. Michigan probably has to win the turnover battle to get a dubya here. Iowa QB Stanzi is known for making some bonehead decisions and tossing a couple bad picks. Hopefully Michigan can get a couple turnovers and either get some points or help give the offense some good field position. - Tate Forcier Early
Tate needs to play solid for 4 quarters – not just one. Not that the dismal offensive production against Michigan State was all Tate’s fault – because it wasn’t. But if Tate can make some of those great plays from the get-go, Michigan’s chances are much better and hopefully the defense can get some rest. - Forcing 3 & Outs
Michigan’s defense has to get off the field and allow the offense to get into a ryhthm. This was the ultimate killer last week as Michigan seemed to play strong on 1st and 2nd down, but then couldn’t get the job done on 3rd down. Obi Ezeh and Jonas Mouton need to step it up and play their best game of the season. Troy WoolfoRk might be playing corner – so it will be critical that the new defensive backfield alignment is not detrimental. - The Weather & Turf
This might be a stretch, but perhaps it’s not. It’s going to be cold – like mid 30’s and there were reports of snow this morning in Iowa City. How will Tate and Denard handle the chilly-ness? I think they will be fine, but you never know. Also, Michigan played on grass last week and definitely has some footing issues – see Brandon Minor’s slip and fall while wide open. If it were to rain or get slick – this should play to the smaller and quicker Michigan squad.
Items of Interest
The Big Ten Network talks with Rich Rod about Iowa…
Big Ten Network Preview…
From the Michigan Daily – Iowa Run D will be too much for Michigan, and Minor should have a bigger role.
ESPN’s preview and prediction…
QB Tate Forcier’s ability to improvise and make plays on the move makes Michigan dangerous, but look for Iowa to win at home because of its offensive line. The Hawkeyes’ front five will get the better of an active and talented Michigan defensive front, allowing Iowa to keep Stanzi out of a lot of third-and-long situations with an effective ground game. The offensive line also will give Stanzi enough time to go through his progressions and space to step into his throws when the Hawkeyes do drop back to pass.
Prediction: Hawkeyes 24, Wolverines 20
The Diag’s Preview – HERE
If Michigan Wins – This is How it’s Goin’ Down
Michigan gets first downs. I’m not saying that they are going to get the running game jumpin’ and pound the ball down field all day, but I do think they can move the ball with a could mix of playcalls. Stanzi will have to make a few mistakes that Michigan must capitalize on – and give Michigan some life and confidence early in the ball game. Last week, Michigan’s offense didn’t see the ball in the first half – obviously that simply cannot happen this week if Michigan wants a chance at winning. The D is going to have to control the line of scrimmage – I think BG continues his dominence in this game as well. IF Michigan walks out of Kinnick with a dub – the final score will be this-ish…
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