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Iowa Football: Early preview of Hawkeyes’ matchup with Michigan

By Joe Kipp

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes catches a third quarter pass next to Josh Metellus #14 and Cameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 10-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 05: Tyler Goodson #15 of the Iowa Hawkeyes catches a third quarter pass next to Josh Metellus #14 and Cameron McGrone #44 of the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 05, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 10-3. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /
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The Iowa football team will host Michigan during the Big Ten’s Champions Week on Saturday. Here’s an early preview of the game.

The 2020 season isn’t over yet for Iowa football. Two teams headed in opposite directions will face off on Saturday, Dec. 19 under the lights at Kinnick Stadium.

On Sunday, it was announced the No. 16 Iowa Hawkeyes (6-2) would play the Michigan Wolverines (2-4) as part of the Big Ten’s Champions Week. The game will kickoff at 6:00 pm CT on ESPN.

Iowa won its sixth straight game this past weekend after defeating the Wisconsin Badgers by a final score of 28-7. The Hawkeyes only strengthened their case for a possible berth in a New Years Six bowl game with the convincing victory.

Iowa will have a chance to further strengthen their resume, albeit against a weaker opponent, when they host a Michigan team looking to just get the current season over with.

The Wolverines haven’t played a game in two weeks thanks to a covid outbreak running rampant in their program, but in their most recent contest, they lost to Penn State, 27-17.

Michigan’s underwhelming season has raised questions about coach Jim Harbaugh’s future. Rumors have already started swirling that Harbaugh could be headed to the NFL next year, though it’d be an expensive buyout for the program if he were to leave.

For now, though, Harbaugh will be on the sidelines when the Hawkeyes take the field Saturday night. A former quarterback for Michigan, Harbaugh has never defeated Iowa at Kinnick Stadium as either a player or coach.

Overall, the Wolverines lead the all-time series against the Hawkeyes with a record of 42-15-4. Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has a record of 7-6 against Michigan. In their last meeting, the Hawkeyes lost 10-3.

Michigan ranks 75th in total offense (381.8 yards per game) and 92nd in total defense (434.3). Iowa ranks 86th in total offense (367.9) and 11th in total defense (310.6). The Wolverines allow 34.5 points per game (99th) while the Hawkeyes allow 16.4 (eighth). Both offenses can put up points. The Hawks average 31.4 (42nd). Michigan averages 28.3 (66th).

The Hawkeyes are currently a 13.5-point favorite over the Wolverines as of Sunday evening, according to BetOnline. The over/under is set at 53.5 points.

dark. Next. Iowa Football: Takeaways from Hawkeyes’ blowout win over Wisconsin

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