Iowa football: Insider information from a Michigan expert

A huge matchup in Ann Arbor is two days away. Here’s what a Michigan expert has to say about his team as they prepare to take on the Iowa football team.

Prior to the Iowa football team’s second matchup against a Big Ten opponent, we were fortunate to be able to ask a few questions to fellow FanSider and GBM Wolverine Site Expert Chris Peterson about his Michigan Wolverines and what they bring to the table against the Hawks.

How important is this game to Michigan’s season? 

I would say that it’s critical to their season. It’s a must-win game there is no doubt about it. A loss puts Michigan two games behind Ohio State in the loss column and that’s a tough place to be.

How much has the loss of Karon Higdon impacted the Wolverine’s rushing attack?

It’s made an impact. Zach Charbonnet is legit but he has been hurt and there hasn’t been much depth. Veteran Tru Wilson broke his hand and that has hurt both the running game and pass protection. Christian Turner is another name to watch. All in all, I don’t think Higdon being gone is that big of a deal. He was above average at best.

Do you believe in Shea Patterson as your quarterback? He struggled to start the season and seemed to have quite a few people questioning him.

There is still reason to believe in Shea Patterson. He looked really good against Rutgers last week and while some will say it’s just Rutgers, he was still sharper and seemed to get his confidence back. Remember, Michigan did change offensive systems and the idea that there weren’t going to be bumps was nonsense. But this week we will see. I’m not saying he can’t get benched, but I still think he can lead this team to a successful season.

Is Michigan’s pass defense as good as their #3 ranking? Inversely, their rush defense is middle of the pack. Is this a weakness on defense?

I’d say the run defense is better than it looks and the pass defense isn’t quite as strong. Jonathan Taylor can hurt the rushing numbers. The secondary is pretty solid, especially at corner, but stopping the pass comes down to pressuring the quarterback. That has been a struggle at times and if the Wolverines don’t get to Nate Stanely, it will be tough.

Donovan Peoples-Jones was injured to start the season? Does he look 100% healthy and do you anticipate him being a larger part of the game plan against Iowa?

He has played the last two weeks and seems close to 100 percent. I think he will have a similar role that he had last week.

Any key players I should be aware of?

Kwity Paye, Josh Uche, and Mike Danna have to get pressure on the quarterback.

What matchup worries you the most?

I’d say the Iowa football team’s run defense and Michigan not getting enough pressure on the quarterback. If Stanley gets pressured, he could have a tough time but if not, the secondary might struggle.

What’s your prediction for the game?  

I think this will be a tough game but I see Michigan as the more talented team. The Wolverines should also have a huge chip on their shoulder. Beating the Iowa football team still won’t be easy, but I think the Wolverines get it done in a close one.

Again, a big shout out to Chris for answering a few questions about his Wolverines, and hopefully he is wrong about his prediction, and instead, the Iowa football team extends its winning streak to three games against Michigan.