(Iowa City, IA) – The #18 Iowa Hawkeyes are going to battle #2 Michigan today in the great state of Indiana at Lucas Oil Stadium in the Big Ten Championship game. It has almost been just two years since Iowa has been to the Big Ten Championship game, after going 10-4 in 2021.
The Hawkeyes got to this point after winning the Big Ten West Division title after beating Nebraska 13-10 in the regular season. Iowa has lost to Michigan in their last three meetings, which includes a 27-14 win over the Hawkeys last year in Kinnick Stadium. Iowa recently played Michigan in their last Big Ten Championship game after they fell 42-3. Michigan also holds a lead in the series between the two 44-15-4.
Taking a look at Iowa, the Hawkeyes have allowed just three touchdowns in their last 24 quarters, with five touchdowns over the last 32 periods. Iowa also has just allowed 13 total touchdowns in 2023, which averages just one touchdown per game. Iowa punter Tory Taylor has also broken the single-season record for punting yards this season. He has recorded 3,766 yards punting alone this season. The defense gets deeper when you take a look at Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson who have combined for 232 tackles this season, which is the highest by a Power-Five school in the nation. Running back LEshon Williams has recorded three 100-yard rushing performances this season, with the most recent being a 111-yard rushing game against Nebraska.
On the opposite side for Michigan, the Wolverines earned their second consecutive 12-0 season under Jim Harbaugh. He helped to lead Michigan to be the only team in the nation with multiple wins over teams ranked in the top ten. It is the fifth time in program history with at least 12 wins and the first for Michigan ever to do so in back-to-back seasons. Tommy Doman has four straight games with a punt inside the 12-yard line and averages 45 yards per attempt, which ranks for third of all time at Michigan. On the offensive end, Blake Corum broke the single-season rushing touchdown record with his 22nd rushing touchdown against Ohio State. Last but not least, the defense has forced 21 turnovers with 16 interceptions and has averaged at least one interception all season.
Iowa will take on Michigan tonight at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indiana, the kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m.
