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Michigan Football: 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions

By Erik Schlitt

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Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) leads his team in a huddle against the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback C.J. Beathard (16) leads his team in a huddle against the Michigan State Spartans in the Big Ten Conference football championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

Iowa Hawkeyes

November 12, Michigan at Iowa, 8:00, ABC/ESPN/ESPN2

Don’t be surprised if both teams are undefeated when the Hawkeyes host the Wolverines in primetime. With Michigan State and Ohio State not on their schedule this year, Iowa’s should be the early favorites to win the Big Ten West again. That means Michigan will be their biggest test, so expect them to be ready to make this an exciting game.

Quarterback C.J. Beathard (Senior) will lead this offense once again, looking to build on Iowa’s 12-win season. He needs to learn from his last two games (both losses) and stay healthy if the Hawkeyes hope to replicate last season’s successes.

Expect the run game to help support Beathard as they return three offensive lineman and three running backs who all can contribute. Last year Iowa averaged 181.7 rush yards per game.

Oct 10, 2015; Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2015; Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports /

All-American shutdown cornerback Desmond King is the leader of this defense. The 2015 Thorpe Award winner is also an accomplished return man. Senior Greg Mabin who has held the opposite cornerback spot for the last two seasons, is an underrated defender. Iowa has one of the best cornerback tandems in the nation.

Iowa’s defense can be a force again as they are very experienced only needing to replace one defensive lineman, one linebacker and one defensive back. They should be able to control most of their games heading into this match-up.

Prediction:

Make no mistake, this is the game Iowa has circled on their calendar. But Iowa also won’t sneak up on anyone this year. Iowa is talented but Michigan can match up with them. This one will be close, but the Wolverines will shine under the lights of Kinnick stadium.

Michigan wins (10-0, 7-0)

Next: Week 12: Indiana Hoosiers

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