Kirk Ferentz knows that many observers are counting out No. 16 Iowa in its matchup against No. 2 Michigan in the Big Ten championship game on Saturday.
Despite the ongoing sign-stealing investigation into Michigan’s program, the Wolverines (12–0) enter the conference title game at No. 2 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings after defeating Ohio State in “The Game,” a clash that some college football fans considered a miniature CFP matchup. A Michigan win against Iowa would give the Wolverines their third consecutive Big Ten title.
Even more, Jim Harbaugh’s squad needs a victory on Saturday to definitively claim one of the top four CFP spots. Although Iowa (10–2) has no chance of competing for a national championship this season, Ferentz would love nothing better than to drum up chaos on “Championship Saturday” and spoil the Wolverines’ chance to play for a national championship.
“You’re going to be playing somebody who, if they’re [Michigan] victorious, that’s where they’re going,” Ferentz said. “If we win, that would really screw things up, I’m guessing. Might be kind of funny actually.”
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However, Ferentz faces a tough outing as the Hawkeyes prepare to face a Wolverines’ defense that is second in the nation in total yards allowed (246.8 yards per game), fourth in pass defense (155.3) and sixth in rush defense (91.4) and red zone defense per game.
Iowa, a program that has struggled offensively for the entire season, enters the contest coming off a 13–10 win against Nebraska. The Hawkeyes’ two losses this season came against Penn State on Sept. 23 and Minnesota on Oct. 21.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game is set for 8 p.m. ET. at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
