Michigan vs. Iowa Football 2009
Wolverines, Unbeaten Hawkeyes Meet in Big 10 Battle
At least some of the mysteries will be unveiled Saturday, Oct. 10, when the Hawkeyes meet Michigan in a Big Ten Conference football game at Iowa City, Iowa. The 8 p.m. EST contest will be telecast by ABC.
Coach Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes showed their prowess in their conference opener Sept. 26, when they defeated then-No. 5 Penn State 21-10 at State College, Pa. But they’ve struggled against far less formidable foes.
In the season opener Sept. 5, Iowa needed two blocked kicks in the closing seconds to preserve a 17-16 win over Northern Iowa. Last week, the Hawkeyes had trouble putting away Arkansas State, winning 24-21.
Still, the Hawkeyes are 5-0 for the first time since 1995, and they’ve won nine straight dating back to last season. In their second Big Ten game this season, they’ll face a Michigan team that barely missed a 5-0 start of its own.
Michigan (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) dropped at 26-20 overtime decision at Michigan State in a Big Ten game last weekend. The Wolverines scored two fourth quarter touchdowns to force a 20-20 tie, but an interception in overtime ruined their chances for a second consecutive comeback victory.
But in actuality, it was only grit that kept coach Rich Rodriguez’s team in the game. The Wolverines defense got shoved around, and Michigan’s offense – which was only on the field for 20 minutes, 14 seconds – was limited to a season-low 251 yards.
The Wolverines will probably need to hold the ball longer to break through against Iowa. The Hawkeyes are giving up only 13.4 points per game, ranking 10th in the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision.
Iowa Defense Averaging Two Interceptions Per Game
The Hawkeyes have forced 14 turnovers and are tied for second in the FBS with 10 interceptions. Sophomore cornerback Tyler Sash has made an FBS-high five of those picks. He also ranks third on his team with 38 tackles – 4.5 for losses.
Linebackers Pat Angerer and Jeremiha Hunter pace Iowa in tackles with 47 and 41, respectively, and cornerback Brett Greenwood has two interceptions and four pass breakups along with 31 tackles.
A rugged defensive line features Karl Klug, Broderick Binns and Adrian Clayborn. Klug leads the Hawkeyes with 6.5 tackles for losses, including 2.5 sacks. Binns has four tackles for losses, and Clayborn has a team-high three sacks and six quarterback hurries. He’s also forced two fumbles.
Iowa is allowing 302.6 yards per game – 122.2 rushing and a 180.4 passing.
Freshmen Lead Iowa Running Game
Most questions about the Hawkeyes center on their offense, which is averaging 24.8 points and 362.2 yards per game. Iowa hasn’t necessarily been bad, just not very explosive.
Freshmen Adam Robinson and Brandon Wegher lead a ground game that’s producing 139.6 yards a contest. Robinson’s carried 78 times for 367 yards and four TDs, and Wegher has 57 carries for 283 yards.
Quarterback Ricky Stanzi is 89-for-52 passing for 1,075 yards. The junior has thrown eight TD passes and seven picks. His top receivers are both 6-4 – Trey Stross (15 catches, 231 yards, 1 TD) and Marvin McNutt (12 receptions, 242 yards, 2 TDs).
Tight end Tony Moeaki had 10 catches for 83 yards in the opener vs. Northern Iowa, but has been out because of an ankle injury.
Michigan Offense Slowing Down
The Wolverines were held under 400 yards for the first time when they gained 367 vs. Indiana. They dropped 117 yards below that vs. an ordinary Michigan State defense. Michigan’s rushing game managed 83 yards – 114 below its average.
Next, the Wolverines take on the most impressive defense they’ve seen yet this season, and they could need more magic from quarterback Tate Forcier. The freshman guided his team to thrilling wins over Notre Dame and Indiana, and nearly did so again vs. Michigan State.
Forcier was 17-for-32 passing with two TDs and the fateful interception. And he was also Michigan’s leading rusher, with just 27 yards on 13 carries. Running backs Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor combined for 17 yards on 10 rushes.
On the season, Forcier is 71-for-119 passing, with 894 yards, nine TDs and three interceptions. He’s also run 53 times for 154 yards and two touchdowns.
Brown's 336 Yards Lead Michigan Ground Game
Brown leads Michigan rushers with 336 yards and three TDs on 44 attempts. Minor, who’s been hampered by injury, has 189 yards and two TDs on 35 rushes. Backup QB Denard Robinson has added 170 yards and three touchdowns on 32 rushes, but was a non-factor vs. Michigan State.
The receiving corps features Martavious Owens (14 catches, 137 yards, 1 TD), Darryl Stonum (10 receptions, 161 yards, 1 TD), Junior Hemingway (10 catches, 139 yards, 2 TDs) and tight end Kevin Koger (9 catches, 147 yards, 2 TDs).
The Wolverines are averaging 34 points and 388 yards per game. They’ve been giving up 23.4 points and 358 yards. But against Michigan State, Indiana and Notre Dame – their opponents from BCS conferences – they’ve yielded an average of 459.
Former Walk-On Makes 17 Tackles for Wolverines
An encouraging development for Michigan last week was redshirt freshman Jordan Kovacs entering the lineup at safety and making 17 tackles. The former walk-on has 31 on the season, ranking third on the team.
Obi Ezeh recorded 14 tackles vs. Michigan State, and the linebacker leads the Wolverines with 48 this year. Linebacker Stevie Brown is second with 38 tackles, including 4.5 for losses.
Safety Donovan Warren has two interceptions, four pass breakups and 28 tackles. End Brandon Graham leads Michigan in tackles for losses with 6.5, and tackle Ryan Van Bergen has a team-high 2.5 sacks and three pass breakups.
The Wolverines recorded two sacks vs. Michigan State, but still have just six on the season. And their opponents have been passing 38 times per game.
Wolverines Own Series Lead Over Iowa
Michigan leads Iowa 40-10-4 in a series that began in 1900. The teams haven’t met since 2006, when the Wolverines defeated Iowa 20-6. Michigan’s won the last three games.
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