Getting to know Iowa ahead of big matchup vs Michigan Football
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The fall season is here, the air is crisp, and it only feels right that Michigan’s first Big Ten contest of the season is against the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Here’s a look at Iowa ahead of the tilt versus Michigan at Michigan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Michigan vs Iowa history
- Michigan is 43-14-4 against Iowa all-time (23-6-1 at Michigan Stadium).
- Michigan has won the last four games versus Iowa by scores of 26-0, 27-14, 42-3, and 10-3.
- Iowa’s last win versus Michigan came back in 2016 in Iowa City, a 14-13 victory.
Iowa’s season so far
- Iowa is 3-0, with two shutouts and one nail-biter — 40-0 over Northern Illinois, 16-13 versus Iowa State and 51-0 against Northern Iowa.
- Iowa had to come from behind to beat Iowa State. They trailed 13-10 entering the fourth quarter, but two field goals by Caden Buhr in the final frame gave Iowa the win.
- Saturday’s tilt versus Michigan marks Iowa’s first road game of the season.
2026 Rankings
- Passing offense: 90
- Rushing offense: 10
- Total offense: 30
- Scoring offense: 47
- Time of possession: 43
- Third-down conversion % offense: 91
- Total defense: 1
- Team sacks: 24
- Passing yards allowed: 5
- Rushing defense: 11
- Scoring defense: 1
- Turnover margin: 23
- Fumbles recovered: 73
- Third-down conversion % defense: 10
PFF data
- Overall: 17
- Offense: 17
- Defense: 11
- SOS played: 127
- % run plays: 50.7%
- %pass plays: 49.3%
Injury report
What people are saying about Michigan vs. Iowa
Maize n Brew’s Kyle Yost on Iowa’s offense
“The offensive line is back to featuring future NFL talent, and regardless of if Kamari Moulton is able to give it a full go, the visitors are not going to shy away on the ground.
None of that should come as too surprising. What is dissimilar about this Iowa team is the willingness to throw the ball as well. While DJ Vonnahme being a great tight end is nothing new for the Hawkeyes, Tony Diaz is looking like a real threat, especially with his 95-yard effort against the Cyclones. The Michigan secondary probably does not feel too worried, but the defense cannot just simply load up the box.
As mentioned earlier, Underwood does have more yardage than Brown, though the Hawkeyes’ signal caller is completing 72.6 percent of his passes and has yet to throw a pick. Most of his completions are of the shorter variety, but that might actually be the right move against this defense. Unlike his counterpart, though, Brown is not going to hurt opponents on the ground.“
Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham on Iowa’s defense
“They’re always outstanding on defense. The four-down guy, corners coverage behind it, just plays sound, fundamentally technique-sound football. They tackle well, they’re physical, and they’ve been doing it a lot of years. They know exactly what they’re trying to accomplish on defense, and right now they’re doing better (than) anywhere in the country.”
Iowa writer Matt Reisener makes a prediction
“I expect an ugly, low-scoring defensive battle, with the slight edge going to the home team. However, if Iowa’s offense shows up this Saturday, the Hawkeyes could easily emerge victorious, and its hard to imagine Iowa losing this game if they manage to score 20+ points.”
Detroit News’ John Niyo thinks Michigan can overcome Iowa’s talented defense
“This will be Bryce Underwood’s biggest test yet. Because while Oklahoma’s attacking style was a real challenge for the Wolverines’ young offense a couple of weeks ago, Phil Parker’s scheme is a more challenging puzzle, in many respects. The confusion Iowa causes opposing quarterbacks is largely due to the Hawkeyes’ discipline and execution, two traits that travel well. Expect plenty of punts and points to be at a premium: Iowa ranks No. 1 nationally in scoring defense. So if Michigan can’t fix its turnover problem, they could be in trouble. But the bet here is that the Wolverines’ defense saves the day with a big play of it’s own.”
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