Opening Line: Michigan a Heavy Favorite Over Iowa in Big Ten Championship Game

For the second time in three years, Michigan and Iowa meet in the Big Ten Championship Game. It's no surprise that the Wolverines opened as massive favorites.

We had to wait until the final weekend of the regular season, but the Big Ten Championship Game matchup is set. On Saturday, No. 3 Michigan will play No. 17 Iowa in Indianapolis with a conference title on the line.

This season's title bout at Lucas Oil Stadium is a rematch of the 2021 contest. Michigan defeated Iowa 42-3.

It should be no surprise that Michigan is an enormous favorite (via SISportsBook.com) heading into Saturday's contest. The Wolverines escaped the regular season unscathed and won nine of their 12 games by three-plus scores.

The Hawkeyes have been resilient this season, posting a 5-1 record in one-possession games. Iowa has relied heavily on its defense and special teams play to achieve a third 10-win campaign in five years. But the Hawkeyes are going to need some sort of offensive presence if they hope to pull off a massive upset.

Michigan (12-0, 9-0) vs. Iowa (10-2, 7-2)

• When: Saturday, Dec. 2, 8 p.m. ET
• Where: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Ind.
• TV: Fox
• Point Spread: Michigan minus-23.5
• Over/Under: 35.5

About Michigan: The Wolverines return to the Big Ten Championship Game for a third straight season. Despite not having coach Jim Harbaugh on the sidelines for the last three games due to a Big Ten-imposed suspension, Michigan scored a 24-15 win over Penn State, a 31-24 victory over Maryland and defeated Ohio State 30-24 to remain perfect on the season. Harbaugh's suspension ended last weekend, meaning he'll be available for Michigan for the championship game.

J.J. McCarthy has thrown for 2,483 yards with 19 touchdowns and four interceptions. Blake Corum has been unstoppable, accounting for 976 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns on the ground. Defensively, Michigan ranks first nationally in scoring (10.3 points per game allowed) and second in total defense (246.8 yards allowed per game).

About Iowa: It's rarely been pretty, but Iowa has scratched and clawed its way to a 10-win season. It seems unlikely, given the Hawkeyes' offense ranks 124th nationally in scoring (18 points per game) and dead last in yardage (246.3 yards per game). 

The Hawkeyes have found success with punter Tory Taylor flipping the field, the defense coming up with key turnovers and the special teams converting on field goals throughout the season. Michigan's offensive line has shown some weakness at times, so perhaps the Hawkeyes can get pressure on McCarthy and stay competitive on Saturday.

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