Predictions for UM-Iowa

UM-38, Iowa-23. Minor - 2 rushing TDs. Forcier - 1 rushing TD. Roundtree - 1 passing TD. Hemingway - 1 passing TD. Olesnavage - 1 FG.

Heartbreaker last week - 1st ever OT loss; and to Sparty IU was way to stressful for an IU game - the 3.5 quarters of "knowing" we lost to IU for the first time since 1987 was cruel and agonizing EMU 1st half was void of anything good... second half could not quite make up for the empty feeling ND may have been the best game I can remember... however, it took 2 years off my life It's time for one of those "OMG this is awesome" games where there is no stress... just fun. Irrational prediction of the week: UM 31 Iowa 13

I predicted long ago that UM would take two of three from ND, MSU and Iowa. I am sticking with it. I have no idea about the final score. Probably under 40 total points.

Everything that I have seen points to a somewhat comfortable Iowa victory. They slacked off for a couple of games, but they had good looking victories against Iowa State, Arizona, and Penn State and that is the version of the Hawkeyes we will see Saturday night. Kinnick Stadium has been a really hard place for us to play the last 15 years. They are easily the best team that we have faced so far. Especially on defense. Throughout the entire Frerentz era, I can't think of any spread team that has had a very good game against Iowa. They are one of the best teams in the conference at shutting it down. Their front seven are great. Too much for our Molk-less front. Their offense will probably move the ball all day on us for long drives, giving us few offensive posessions. They won't blow us out though, since that's not their kind of game. I wouldn't feel very good about this game even if we were the slightly better team, which we aren't. My prediction is 27-14 Iowa. In the back of my mind, I'm holding out hope for a start like the Penn State game last year, where MINOR RAGE explodes all over a team that we have no business piling up 200 rushing yards on.

tired of hearing about Offense carrying M, and about how great Iowa's defense is, shows up big time. Six forced turnovers later, M emerges with a 20-17 victory.

I can't not pick us to win. That's just fundamentally wrong. So: UM 27 Iowa 20. Don't ask how we get there.

Michigan 24, Iowa 21. Tate engineers a late 4th quarter drive resulting in a FG for the win.

6-5 Michigan. Game winning field goal as time expires and Olesnavage never has to worry about getting laid again.

UM 21- Iowa 20 Iowa kicking a couple red zone field goals rather than scoring TDs is the difference in the game.

My head says: Iowa 21 Michigan 14 My heart says: Iowa 17 Michigan 28 Let's hope my heart's right!!

Since the game is on ABC, the commercial with Every Wolverine believes in the Forcier and Every Hawkeye wants a Big 10 championship is on. Last time I remember seeing Michigan featured in this commercial was during the 08 Capital One Bowl... Let's hope trends continue...

I know it's crazy, but I can't help but think I want to see Michigan pound the football. To see Minor get 40 odd carries. To see Rod coach a Big Ten game at Iowa like it's a Big Ten game at Iowa. I can't help but think the cold will affect the slot guys; that as the game goes on, Tate starts (un)consciously adjusting to the numbness in his fingertips. Maybe it affects his play; I don't know. But there's a latent expectation of a costly turnover or two, probably from a warm-weather guy. Which is not to say I expect Iowa to be perfect; they won't. I think we can generate some favorable matchups in the trenches, springing Minor for long gains. I think Koger will make some great plays on possibly erratic throws, and make some big plays on Iowa's D. I hope that if Minor's play is consistent enough, and on all cylinders early enough, that Stonum can run wild for his break-out day. I'm conditioned at this point in the season to expect Junior, Tay and Kelvin won't be a predominant factor in this game, but instead the x-factor. Going against Iowa, and maybe/probably because I've been indoctrinated with Carr-ball, but I can't help but think the game shouldn't be on the shoulders of slotmen. Their blocking, though, and abilities to draw DEs off coverage will be huge. Right? Because this is Big Ten football, after all, and my gut tells me the pace should be dictated in the trenches. Lots of plays, long drives. Or...is this the game where Rich Rod and co. prove they don't have to adapt to "Big Ten" ball, that their system is intrinsically dominant, and signs appear in the way of short scoring bursts that the future is now. Isn't that the real theme of THIS game?

I hate to say this but hey Michigan-23 Iowa-37 But then again, I'm a pessimist

Michigan 37 Iowa 30