Iowa just snuck past Michigan in Week 4, but let’s be real, that kind of win is classic Hawkeye football. They often look like they’re going to lose for 55 minutes, constantly down, sometimes by double digits, then suddenly, boom, they make just enough plays, get a few breaks, and somehow, with a bit of luck, they snatch a win. It’s a wild ride, but you have to wonder how much longer they can keep pulling rabbits out of the hat.
Seriously, How Did Iowa Beat Michigan?
If you’ve never watched the Hawkeyes, it’s almost impossible to explain. They play a style that just isn’t designed to win games normally. Their entire win against Michigan last weekend was a masterclass in improbable comebacks. For three whole quarters, Iowa’s only points came from a punt-return touchdown in the first quarter! Their first offensive touchdown? That didn’t even happen until the fourth quarter. It came after an insane third-and-long play where their quarterback threw a bullet 100 MPH to a receiver seven yards away, who then tipped the ball up and behind him. Then, an Iowa tight end, who was *out of bounds*, jumped back in-bounds to make an explosive catch. Iowa scored on the very next play. Think about that: if that pass wasn’t tipped and miraculously caught, they were punting!
And the game-winning drive? That was even more bizarre. The Hawkeyes basically needed a Hail Mary to even get the ball close to the Wolverines’ end zone. Then, a Michigan player got hurt, stopping the clock and giving Iowa a crucial break. Next play, a short pass, and boom, game-winning touchdown. It’s truly not sustainable, and watching that game, you can just feel how thin the margin for error is.
Get Ready For a Reality Check Against Ohio State
Now, the Hawkeyes are staring down Ohio State, and I’m having a tough time seeing them score, let alone score early. Why? Because Ohio State’s defense is simply better than Michigan’s. Way better. Iowa is going to play super conservative against them. They’ll try to run the ball, which makes sense considering they are ranked 82nd in third down conversion and want to avoid bad situations. They’re hoping to limit passing opportunities for Hank Brown because, frankly, that’s their best shot.
Ohio State’s game plan? It’s the same one every smart team brings against Iowa: slow and steady. They won’t let Iowa beat them with special teams or those “dumb voodoo plays” that somehow kept them alive against Michigan. This approach forces Iowa into longer offensive drives, which is exactly what they struggle with. The clock is ticking on how long Iowa’s luck can hold out.
Oh, and while we’re talking offenses, Michigan’s is a complete mess. Against Oklahoma, they put up 17 points, with one touchdown coming off a short-field turnover. They only managed 19 against Iowa! No surprise there, they’re ranked 87th in points per drive, generate almost no explosive plays, and are not great on third down either. They’re facing a Minnesota defense that’s good, bordering on just above average, this week. Minnesota struggled against Mississippi State’s pass game, but let’s be real, Michigan’s offense is a totally different beast. This week is going to be a true test for both Iowa’s “magic” and Michigan’s sputtering offense.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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