The Big Ten Championship is set to take place at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, featuring the powerhouse Michigan Wolverines against the resilient Iowa Hawkeyes. Ranked 2nd in College Football, Michigan entered the contest with an undefeated 12-0 season, while the Hawkeyes, with a 10-2 record, secured the Big Ten West after overcoming challenges on the road and at home. Let’s take a look at the betting odds for this game, and then both teams, as the Big Ten Championship is set for Saturday night!
Michigan enters the championship as massive favorites with a -23 point spread, while the total for the game is set at 35.5.
Unbeaten Michigan Wolverines:
The Wolverines have been dominant throughout the season, with only a minor test in Week 13 against Ohio State. Their near perfection is evident in a string of double-digit victories, contributing to an impressive average of 37.6 points per game. Michigan’s defense stands as the nation’s best, conceding 10.3 points per game, with opponents reaching double digits in just five matchups.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy has accumulated nearly 2,500 passing yards and 19 touchdowns. Receiver Roman Wilson has been a key target, 658 yards and 11 touchdowns. Running back Blake Corum leads College Football with 22 touchdowns, needing 24 yards to reach the 1,000-yard mark on the ground.
In the recent win over Ohio State, Corum got the Wolverines on the board with a touchdown, and they scored in each quarter, getting a stop late in the game to seal the victory over their long time rivals.
Defensive Minded Iowa Hawkeyes:
Under the guidance of coach Ferentz, the Hawkeyes have embraced their role as underdogs, rebounding from early-season setbacks to secure a spot in the championship game. Their defense has been solid in the last four games, where they allowed 30 points.
Despite a lower-scoring offense (18 points per game), Iowa compensates with a stingy defense, giving up just 12.2 points per game. Running back Leshon Williams, with nearly 800 yards, has been a consistent performer but has recorded only one touchdown throughout the season.
Last week in the win against Nebraska, the Hawkeyes scored 10 second quarter points, and added a go ahead field goal with 0:04 to go in the game to seal the deal. Deacon Hill, the quarterback, finished with just 94 yards in the game.
Wolverines and Hawkeyes Battle It Out
A final score prediction of Michigan Wolverines 24-12 over the Iowa Hawkeyes leans towards an Iowa cover and an OVER outcome. We expect a really good game, and if Michigan can win, they will end up in the College Football Playoff, representing the Big Ten. There is an outside chance Ohio State can still sneak back in and join them, but they will need some help. Take Michigan in this one!
