Best And Worst Case Scenarios For Michigan Against Iowa

Michigan has more talent than Iowa on paper but U-M has been inconsistent at times over the course of four games.

Michigan definitely has the talent to beat Iowa but they just haven't been consistent enough to be the odds-on favorite in tomorrow's game. Turnovers have been an issue, the offense is still figuring things out and the defense didn't look good at all against the best team they've played. We've seen some good and some bad already, so these scenarios are all realistic for tomorrow's contest.

Best Case

Offense

Senior quarterback Shea Patterson takes care of the ball from start to finish. He did that for the most part against Rutgers but threw an unfortunate interception in the third quarter. It wasn't a blown read or a dumb decision, it was just a bad throw. He'll be more locked in against a better opponent and doesn't give the ball to the Hawkeyes. Patterson also continues to improve on his reads and effectively runs the ball keeping the defense honest.

Keeping that defense honest will allow handoffs and gives to work better as well. Freshman Zach Charbonnet, redshirt freshman Christian Turner and redshirt sophomore Hassan Haskins will be the three-headed monster out of the backfield and will effectively eat up yardage against the Hawkeyes. 

Get that running game rolling and Michigan's wide receivers, who should have a decided advantage against Iowa's very pedestrian secondary, will be open often and have a very big day. The junior trio of Tarik Black, Nico Collins and Donovan Peoples-Jones are all matchup nightmares allowing sophomore Ronnie Bell to continue his first-down making campaign. 

The offensive line continues to jell and handles a talented defensive line. There are a few Hawkeyes who can be tough to handle but the five-man unit in maize and blue communicate well, pass of twists and keep Iowa's talented defensive ends in check, allowing Patterson to stay in the pocket and throw accurate passes.

Defense

The defensive line gets home more often than in previous games and rattles senior quarterback Nate Stanley. The big Iowa quarterback has been very strong with ball security but Michigan is able to shake him up. Don Brown continues to do what he does sending blitzes that also make an impact. Redshirt freshman linebacker Cameron McGrone gets the start again and hits the quarterback multiple times.

Michigan's secondary and linebackers once again do a good job playing assignment football. They were very good against Rutgers and will build on that against Iowa, who is obviously much more capable than the Scarlet Knights. The backers fill lanes, tackle well and smack the quarterback when they're sent on blitzes. Brown certainly knows how to call a came and he's able to dial up a gem when needed against the Hawkeyes.

Worst Case

Offense

We see a repeat of the Wisconsin game. Patterson once again doesn't look comfortable, bails out of the pocket when he's still protected and struggles to find open receivers down the field because he's too worried about pressure or phantom pressure. He gets hit too many times and isn't able to play up to his potential as a passer or in the RPO game.

As far as the rushing attack goes, it too looks like the game against the Badgers. Michigan's offensive line struggles to open up holes, backs miss lanes and Patterson incorrectly reads the defense leaving valuable yards on the field. Charbonnet, still limited, isn't used much and Turner, Haskins and the rest of the gang struggle as runners and in pass pro, like we've seen before. That leads to Patterson getting beat up a bit and overall, the offensive continues to sputter and lack an identity.

Defense

Michigan's front four can't put pressure on the quarterback allowing a smart, savvy game-manager type in Stanley to get a rhythm going and find guys he's comfortable with. Stanley is able to sit comfortably in the pocket and confidently delivers catchable passes to some pretty good athletes. 

The linebackers play out of position and allow Iowa's backs to get it going. Juniors Mekhi Sargent and Toren Young, along with freshman Tyler Goodson have all carried the ball quite a few times this year and will do so against Michigan allowing them to remain fresh and effective. That running game is dependable enough for Stanley to utilize the play action game as well making for a long day for U-M's cornerbacks.

How do you see the game playing out? Can Michigan keep heading in the right direction with a win over Iowa? Comment below!!!