Hawkeyes vs. Wolverines

When Iowa has the ball

Michigan runs a 3-3-5, an unconventional alignment and the only such front in the Big Ten.

It seems to be Coach Rich Rodriguez's preferred defense. In 2008, the Wolverines started in a base 4-3 under coordinator Scott Shafer, but then ended in the 3-3-5. Shafer was then shown the door after the D allowed 35 or more points in six of nine losses. In 2009, Rodriguez's offense made gains under Tate Forcier and, sort of, Denard Robinson. Former NFL coordinator and Syracuse head coach Greg Robinson was brought in to run defense. In Big Ten games, the Wolverines allowed more points on more yards than any other team in the conference and nose dived into the conference cellar.

As far as personnel goes, the Wolverines defensive line is underrated. Junior nose tackle Mike Martin (6-foot-2, 299) is having a standout season (5.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks) and often draws double-and-even-triple teams.

So, the game here is Iowa's O-linemen getting their hands on Michigan front seven players and making the Hawkeyes' version of the zone stretch click. One of the key matchups here is Martin and Iowa center James Ferentz.

A lot of attention has gone toward Iowa running back Adam Robinson this week. He was battered after a career-high 28 carries against Penn State. He pronounced himself ready to roll this week.

But Iowa's most important offensive player today is senior quarterback Ricky Stanzi. The fifth-year senior is at the height of his powers. He is No. 3 in the nation in pass efficiency (176.85).

Another matchup here that should favor the Hawkeyes is a veteran group of receivers against that young secondary.

Advantage: Iowa

When Michigan has the ball

Michigan's offense relies tremendously on quarterback Denard Robinson. He is the most consistent player on either side of the ball for Michigan and covers up a lot of questions with the rest of the offense - specifically the running backs. The Wolverines don't have that classic Michigan bruiser at running back. Vincent Smith, Michael Shaw and Michael Cox are the guys.

But it all flows through Robinson.

The Michigan offensive line is good. Very good. Good enough to stop talented Iowa's front four? That's the BCS spotlight question.

Don't look for any magic from Iowa's defense, even coming off an idle week. Iowa's defense is Iowa's defense. If anything expect the “outside in” and “keep it in front of you” principles to be reinforced for this game.

That said, Iowa's defensive line, the best overall unit on the field today, needs to play like it.

The big health note here is middle linebacker Jeff Tarpinian. He suffered a neck stinger against Ball State and has been basically sidelined since. He is making the trip to Ann Arbor and could very well play. If he can't, it's senior Troy Johnson or true freshman James Morris.

Advantage: Even

Special teams

The Wolverines' kicking game has been non-existent. They've rarely attempted field goals and haven't been good when they tried.

True freshman punter Will Hagerup has elevated his game in recent weeks, averaging 42.6 a punt.

Wide receiver Darryl Stonum is eight in the Big Ten with 20.5 yards a kick return.

Iowa's special teams are slowly recovering from the trauma of the Arizona game. There were no major accidents against Ball State or Penn State, so it's two games without a major flaw.

Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said during his radio show Wednesday night that kicker Daniel Murray is close to a return, but that true freshman walk-on Mike Meyer (2 of 3 this season) will remain on field goal duty this week.

Advantage: Iowa

Scoreboard

Stanzi needs a fast start. Iowa needs to make sure touchdowns don't wilt into field goals. Adam Robinson needs to find rhythm behind an O-line that is still looking for a signature game. Every minute Denard Robinson is off the field counts.

If Iowa's front four forces Robinson to speed up his clock with an early pressure or two, maybe the Hawkeyes can see the Denard Robinson of last week, an impatient thrower who missed targets and opportunity.

The Michigan front seven is under the gun here. It has to protect a secondary that has been beaten up and is facing a senior quarterback with two experienced and talented WRs.

Even with Denard Robinson carrying most of the weight, that might be too much to ask.

Iowa 35, Michigan 24

- Marc Morehouse