The Michigan Wolverines (12-0) are set to face the Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) in a highly anticipated Big Ten Championship clash. With a spot in the College Football Playoff potentially on the line, the Wolverines aim to continue their perfect season, while the Hawkeyes look to pull off a major upset.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Odds Info
Moneyline: Michigan Wolverines -2400 (DraftKings) / Iowa Hawkeyes +1400 (FanDuel)
Spread: +21.5 / Michigan Wolverines -110 (PointsBet) / Iowa Hawkeyes -110 (PointsBet)
Total: 34.5 / -108 (DraftKings) / -112 (DraftKings)
Game Info
Date: Saturday, Dec. 02
Time: 08:00 PM
Location: Lucas Oil Stadium – Indianapolis, IN
TV: FOX
Michigan Wolverines Betting Trends
- On the road, Michigan Wolverines are 5 and 0 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Michigan Wolverines are 6 and 5.
- Against the spread on the road, Michigan Wolverines are 4 and 1.
Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Trends
- At home, Iowa Hawkeyes are 6 and 1 this season.
- Against the spread this season, Iowa Hawkeyes are 6 and 4.
- Against the spread at home, Iowa Hawkeyes are 3 and 3.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Predictions
The Michigan Wolverines enter the Big Ten Championship Game with an unblemished record and a high-powered offense that has been steamrolling opponents. Averaging 37.6 points per game, the Wolverines boast the Big Ten’s quarterback and running back of the year in J.J. McCarthy and Blake Corum, respectively. McCarthy’s improvement in his second full season as a starter has been a key factor in Michigan’s success, with the team never trailing in the second half of any game this season. Corum, with his FBS-high 22 rushing touchdowns, will be a focal point against an Iowa defense that ranks fourth in the nation in points allowed per game (12.2).
Iowa’s path to the championship game has been less about offensive firepower and more about defensive prowess. The Hawkeyes have managed to win 10 games despite having the nation’s worst-ranked offense, thanks to a defense that has been nothing short of stellar. Linebacker Jay Higgins leads Power 5 defenders in tackles, and the team’s ability to limit opponents’ scoring has kept them in games where the offense has struggled. The Hawkeyes will need to rely on their defense once again to slow down Michigan’s potent attack and create opportunities for their offense to score.
The key matchup to watch will be Iowa’s stout front against Michigan’s dynamic rushing attack. The Wolverines’ offensive line will need to create space for Corum, while the Hawkeyes’ defensive line will look to control the trenches and force McCarthy to make plays through the air. With both teams featuring top-tier defenses, this game could come down to which offense can find a way to break through and put points on the board. For Iowa, it will be about capitalizing on any Michigan mistakes, while the Wolverines will look to assert their dominance early and avoid the upset.
Michigan Wolverines vs. Iowa Hawkeyes Pick
The Michigan Wolverines have been a force to be reckoned with this season, and their performance against the spread has been impressive, especially on the road where they are 4-1 ATS. With a spread of +21.5, the Wolverines are expected to not only win but to do so by a considerable margin. Given their average point differential of 27.3 and the fact that they have not trailed in the second half of any game this season, it’s clear that Michigan has the capability to cover the spread against Iowa. The Wolverines’ balanced attack, led by McCarthy and Corum, has consistently found ways to break down defenses, and against an Iowa team that has struggled offensively, Michigan’s defense is likely to give their offense more opportunities to score and extend their lead.
While Iowa’s defense is formidable, Michigan’s offense is simply too potent. The Wolverines have shown they can put up points against strong defenses, and their own defensive unit is just as capable of shutting down opponents. Iowa’s offense, ranking last in the nation, will likely struggle to keep up with the pace set by Michigan, making it difficult for the Hawkeyes to cover the spread. Historical trends also favor the Wolverines, who have dominated the Big Ten and have a recent history of success against Iowa, including a 42-3 victory in the 2021 Big Ten Championship. With Michigan’s sights set on a College Football Playoff berth, expect them to come out strong and cover the spread in Indianapolis.
The Pick: Michigan Wolverines -21.5 | -110 at PointsBet
