5 Takeaways from Michigan’s Last-second Loss to Iowa

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Funny how things work out.

Michigan has now won a game it should have lost and lost a game it should have won.

Michigan rolled up 429 yards of offense, easily surpassing Iowa’s 278, but the Wolverines (3-1) were stunned when the Hawkeyes (4-0) escaped with a 20-19 last-second win in its Big Ten opener Saturday at the Big House.

Taking the final snap with just two seconds left on the stadium clock, Iowa senior quarterback Hank Brown hit Reece Vander Zee in the end zone to complete the stunning finish after the Hawkeyes drove 91 yards beginning with 1:37 left.

So here are five takeaways from Michigan’s first loss of the season.

The Wolverines Rushing Attack Isn’t Dominating

Michigan rushed the ball better against Iowa — picking up 153 yards — but it hasn’t quite returned to its classic dominating form. Traditionally, if the Wolverines are protecting a small second-half lead, the running game puts teams away. That certainly didn’t happen when it was needed most Saturday.

Just when it appeared Michigan’s running game might take over in the second half after junior Jordan Marshall exploded for a 17-yard gain followed by a 9-yard burst, he left the game hurt a few plays later. Freshman Savior Hiter, who had been splitting time with Marshall, finished out the contest.

Hiter ran strong but his biggest gain was only 8 yards. He finished with 53 yards on 14 carries while Marshall finished with 59 yards on 11 carries.

Most of the issues facing Michigan’s rushing game seem to stem more from the offensive line not opening running lanes, and both backs being met by tacklers right at the line of scrimmage.

2. Michigan Might Be Viewed as a Two-loss Team

If Michigan finds itself on the cusp of being a playoff team when November arrives, it might be at the mercy of the CFP Selection Committee. Will the Wolverines be considered to have one-more loss than their record shows because of the Western Michigan Hail Mary victory?

If that’s the case, more than likely Michigan will need a win at Ohio State to impress the 13-member panel, which this year includes former Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio – not exactly known for being the Wolverines biggest fan.

3. Penalties Are Still Hurting Michigan

Michigan finished the game with eight penalties for 75 yards and none more costly than Zeke Berry’s unnecessary roughness penalty with 26 seconds remaining on a third-and-12 incomplete pass. Iowa only had five penalties for 34 yards.

It was the fourth straight game Michigan lost the penalty battle. All tallied, Michigan has been flagged 32 times for 289 yards while its opponents have been penalized just 23 times for 175 yards. Moreover, throughout the game, Michigan’s penalties were costly momentum and drive killers.

4. Underwood Posts Career-best Game for Second Straight Week

Michigan sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood yielded the game’s only turnover when he threw an interception, but for the second straight week he played his best game of his career. He actually appeared to be the best player on the field.

Underwood finished 17 of 26 passing for 276 yards with two touchdowns. Most of his passes were tight spirals and right on target. He also rushed 14 times for 36 yards.

A week earlier, he posted a career-best game finishing 19 of 25 passing for 223 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. And most of those throws were on target.

5. Home Field Advantage Opportunity Blown

Because of the Big Ten’s scheduling rotation, Michigan ended up with eight home games and four road trips this season. Historically, or at least until the Big Ten became a super-sized conference, Michigan played seven home games with five road contests.

The eight games at home also featured the first four games of the season at the Big House, giving Michigan a great chance to start the season 4-0. That’s all gone now, and the fact it had eight home games might even hurt them when the CFP Selection Committee starts evaluating records.

Next year, Michigan’s schedule has four Big Ten home games with five road games. The Wolverines will have just two home non-conference games and travel to play Texas Sept 4.

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5 Takeaways from Michigan’s Last-second Loss to Iowa

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