After a wild party, there’s usually a hangover the next day. Jim Harbaugh is in his seventh year as Michigan coach, and he waited a long time to celebrate a victory over Ohio State. So, after the Wolverines bashed the Buckeyes last week, will there be an emotional hangover?
A title game never should be a flat spot, especially when a College Football Playoff spot is on the line, but it’s fair to question whether Michigan will play at a similarly high level when it faces Iowa for the Big Ten championship Saturday in Indianapolis.
The Hawkeyes, who ascended to a No. 2 ranking in mid-October, grinded their way to 10 wins by running the ball, playing rock-solid defense and forcing mistakes. Iowa ranks third in the nation in turnover margin (+ 16) and takeaways (28).
Michigan’s offensive and defensive lines physically overpowered Ohio State, yet Iowa is not a team that gets bullied up front. The Hawkeyes should be able to contain Wolverines running back Hassan Haskins, who busted loose for 169 yards and five touchdowns a week ago.