'College GameDay' makes Iowa vs. Michigan picks
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No. 17 Iowa (3-0) is gearing up for a signature showdown at No. 18 Michigan (3-0).
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on CBS. The Hawkeyes bring starting quarterback Hank Brown into the Big House making his first career road start. But, Brown will be joined by rising receiver Tony Diaz, tight end DJ Vonnahme and running back Kamari Moulton.
Phil Parker looks to have another terrific defensive unit. The Hawkeyes shutout both Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa and lead the nation in total defense (176.7 yards per game) and scoring defense (4.3 points per game).
Both teams could take a big step toward College Football Playoff contention with a win.
As kickoff nears, here's how the "College GameDay" crew—joined by guest picker Johnny Knoxville—picked Iowa at Michigan:
'College GameDay' Iowa vs. Michigan picks
— Heavens! (@HeavensFX) September 26, 2026
- Desmond Howard: Michigan"Low-scoring, defensive struggle, a dogfight. I think it's going to come down to special teams play. Michigan beats Iowa in the Big House."
- Nick Saban: Iowa"I think Iowa's got a little bit more diversity on offense, which may create a little advantage for them. They're a great defensive team. Defense travels. I'm picking Iowa."
- Pat McAfee: Iowa"If it's going to come down to special teams, Iowa's very comfortable in that particular game. I like what (Kyle) Whittingham's doing. I like the way they've been able to win games since that opening week and kind of put that behind them. Give me Iowa though on the road with 'GameDay' implications in Ann Arbor today."
- Johnny Knoxville: Michigan"I agree. I think it's going to be a low-scoring game unless they do that fun thing where they keep adding a second to the clock. In that case, I'm taking Michigan."
- Kirk Herbstreit: Michigan"Take the under on this. This is a low-scoring game as everybody is saying. I think when the dust settles, Michigan at the line of scrimmage, especially their defensive line, 35 tackles for a loss, they're going to get a critical turnover late in this game to secure a win. I like Michigan at home to win."
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 'College GameDay' makes Iowa vs. Michigan picks
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