After suffering a crushing loss to in-state and Big 10 rival, the Michigan State Spartans last week in overtime 26 to 20, the now unranked  Michigan Wolverines face the undefeated and #12th ranked Hawkeyes, in Iowa this Saturday, October 10, 2009 at 8:05pm.

photo usatoday.com

The Wolverines current record is 4 and 1, with their only loss coming in Big 10 play.  The Hawkeyes are 5 and 0, and boast an outstanding defense, as they have only allowed 67 points over the five game span.  This in comparison to Michigan’s 117 points against.  Michigan does have the edge in points for, with 170, to the Hawkeyes 124.

Freshman sensation Tate Forcier will play with his injured shoulder this week as he continues to be the Wolverines primary weapon on offense.  Forcier currently has a 142.6 passer rating.  He is 71 of 119 for 894 yards with 9 touchdowns to only 3 interceptions.  Tate also has rushed for 149 yards and two touchdowns on the year.

According to BetUS.com at the time of this article, Iowa was favored by 8 points, with the over / under not yet released.

If the Wolverines could play in the first quarter and on the way they play in the 4th quarter of games, the Wolverines could upset the Hawkeyes.  After exploding for 14 unanswered points against Michigan State to force the game into overtime, it is obvious that this offense is explosive when it wants to be.  Coach Rich Rodriguez must get his troops motivated right out of the gates, or this could be a long game.

Again, I do think that Michigan could squeak out a win, but that is my optimism interferring with my brain.  If forced to pick, Michigan covers the spread, but their defense fails them,  31 to 27.

Kurt Fraschetti / ProFootballinsight

Kurt@Profotoballinsight.net