Iowa Hawkeyes vs Michigan Wolverines: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI

When: Saturday, October 5th at 12pm EST

How (TV): FOX

Iowa Hawkeyes (Away)

4-0 heading into B1G play | #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/c4ynJkg2Bj

— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) September 28, 2019

Head Coach: Kirk Ferentz {All-Time: 156-101 | IOWA}

Regular Season Record: 4-0

Through four games, the Iowa Hawkeyes boast the nation’s third ranked scoring defense, allowing just 8.5 points per contest. Granted, their toughest opponent thus far has been in-state rival Iowa State who gave away a 18-17 win to the Hawkeyes with a punt return blunder. That defense will finally be tested by a Big Ten program not named Rutgers, as they visit Michigan in Ann Arbor.

The Hawkeyes closed out their non-conference slate last weekend at home against Middle Tennessee with a convincing 48-3 victory over their Conference USA opponent. Iowa leaned on their rushing attack which had three runners break 90 yards on the ground in Mekhi Sargent, Tyler Goodson, and Toren Young. Four different rushers found the end zone, while quarterback Nate Stanley tossed two touchdowns to junior receiver Brandon Smith.

Kirk Ferentz’s defense bottled up the Blue Raiders all day long, limiting MTSU to just 216 total yards of offense. One area of concern that could be taken away from this game, however, is the fact that Iowa was not able to force any turnovers against Middle Tennessee State, which could be a bad omen when their schedule ramps up in difficulty.

Michigan Wolverines (Home)

Head Coach: Jim Harbaugh {All-Time: 106-70 | STAN, MICH}

Regular Season Record: 3-1

After getting embarrassed by Wisconsin in Camp Randall Stadium, Jim Harbaugh’s Wolverines needed an opportunity to regroup and regain their confidence. Fortunately for the Maize and Blue, Rutgers resides in the Big Ten East Division.

The Wolverines took care of business against the Scarlet Knights last Saturday, dominating them 52-0 behind a stout defense that limited Rutgers to 154 total yards. Junior defensive end Kwity Paye was a disruptive force in Rutgers’ backfield, tallying 1.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for losses.

Michigan’s offense did not feature any breakout statistical performances outside of Shea Patterson’s three rushing touchdowns. Top rusher Zach Charbonnet carried the ball just five times for 22 yards, while leading receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones caught just four passes for 62 yards. The Wolverines will need their offensive stars to shine against Iowa if they want to avoid another Wisconsin-like disaster.

Iowa vs Michigan All-Time Series

U-M has compiled a 41-15-4 record all-time against Iowa.

MICHIGAN MONDAY » https://t.co/okzn0gMKru#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/UpEXsMn3WX

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) October 1, 2019

In 60 total meetings between the two schools, Michigan has dominated Iowa 41-15-4, however, the Hawkeyes have won five of the last six matchups. The most recent game between the Big Ten foes took place late in the 2016 season, with Iowa edging out the Wolverines 14-13 on a last second field goal from Keith Duncan.

The last time Michigan beat Iowa at The Big House was back in 2006 when the Wolverines were the second ranked team in the country under Lloyd Carr, emerging. This is also the first time since 2003 where both schools are facing each other while ranked in the AP Top 25.

Redshirt junior offensive tackle Alaric Jackson has been upgraded to questionable after dealing with a knee injury suffered against Miami (Ohio).

Sophomore safety Kaevon Merriweather is listed as questionable with an ankle injury.

Redshirt senior defensive tackle Brady Reiff is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Redshirt sophomore guard Kyler Schott is out indefinitely with a foot injury suffered in practice.

Junior cornerback Matt Hankins is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Sophomore cornerback Riley Moss is out indefinitely with a leg injury suffered against Miami (Ohio).

Sophomore cornerback Julius Brents is out indefinitely with a knee injury that has held him out all season.

Michigan Roster Notes

Junior quarterback Dylan McCaffrey is doubtful to suit up against Iowa as he recovers from a concussion suffered against Wisconsin.

Junior linebacker Josh Ross is listed as doubtful due to an undisclosed injury suffered against Wisconsin.

Senior tight end Sean McKeon is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury.

Head-to-Head: Michael Ojemudia (IOWA) vs Donovan Peoples-Jones (MICH)

Although the Wolverines are likely to use a balanced approach on offense, they will need Patterson to be a threat in case Charbonnet and Christian Turner get off to a cold start running the ball. After dealing with injuries to start the season, Donovan Peoples-Jones will look to join leading receivers Ronnie Bell and Nico Collins in the passing game while possibly lining up opposite Iowa’s top corner in Michael Ojemudia.

Michael Ojemudia

Cornerback | 6-1, 200lb | Harrison HS | Farmington Hills, MI | Redshirt Senior

Arriving in Iowa City as an unranked recruit in 2015, Ojemudia is a classic case of a guy who worked his way into the starting lineup and evolved into a locker room leader. The engineering major has lost and regained his starting job due to performance and injuries, but has overcome that to be a key contributor on defines. He possesses a big frame that allows him to compete for 50-50 balls and be physical with bigger receivers, which should come in handy against Michigan’s receiving corps.

Donovan Peoples-Jones

Wide Receiver | 6-2, 208lb | Cass Technical HS | Detroit, MI | Junior

A Swiss Army Knife who can be a threat as a receiver and return man, DPJ has proven that he is more than just an athlete in football pads. Although he draws attention for his shiftiness and big play ability, NFL scouts are enamoured with his ball skills. Peoples-Jones is more than willing to get physical with opposing defensive backs and box them out for jump balls. Although his route running skills are limited, he makes up for it with his strong hands, and spacial awareness. Given these attributes, he should see a healthy amount of targets from Patterson.

Iowa at Michigan: Predictions and Odds

Find the latest odds for Iowa Hawkeyes vs Michigan Wolverines below. The odds are provided by New Jersey sportsbooks 888Sport NJ, DraftKings, and Unibet NJ.

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