Michigan vs. Iowa Could Determine Dark Horse Big Ten Team

The Big Ten Conference has ruled college football, as the last three national championships have all come from the conference, and it’s three unique teams.

This season, the Big Ten looked like it could make it four-straight, as Ohio State, Oregon, and Indiana were all once again national title contenders. However, the Ducks appear to be out of the running, while Penn State, Michigan, and Iowa could all be playoff contenders.

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In Week 4, a Big Ten game is flying under the radar as the Michigan Wolverines are set to host the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Michigan is 3-0 after a ref helped them win in Week 1, but then upset Oklahoma at home. Iowa, meanwhile, is also 3-0, and their defense has been stellar once again.

Although neither Michigan nor Iowa had national championship aspirations going into the season, the winner of this game will be in a great spot to reach the College Football Playoff.

Both teams have great defense, so it should be a low-scoring game, so this could very well come down to the quarterbacks, who have plenty of question marks.

The Wolverines were able to land Bryce Underwood, who started as a freshman a year ago and was considered one of the best quarterback prospects in all of college. Yet, he has struggled so far, but the defense and run game have been a key part.

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If Underwood can live up to the potential, the Wolverines could not only be a playoff threat, but a national title contender. Michigan has a great coach in Kyle Whittingham, who is making the Wolverines a tough team to play against, especially on defense.

The Wolverines do have a tough schedule, but they get to host Penn State, Indiana, and Oregon, while going on the road to Ohio State. If they go 2-2 in those four games and beat Iowa, a 10-2 Michigan team could very well sneak into the playoffs.

Iowa, meanwhile, has a very easy schedule, as if they can get past Michigan, they play Ohio State next week and then don’t play another ranked team. There is a real chance the Hawkeyes go 11-1 and reach the College Football Playoff, backed by their defense.

So, the winner of Michigan vs. Iowa could seemingly get into the playoffs, while the loser’s season is likely over. The stakes are high, but this game will help define the Big Ten this season.

Michigan and Iowa Both Expecting a Tough Test

Although this is only a Week 4 game, Michigan vs. Iowa has high stakes, and both teams know it will be a tough challenge.

The Wolverines are a 5.5-point favorite at home against the Hawkeyes, yet Whittingham knows Iowa poses a lot of problems, especially on defense.

“On film, good football team,” Whittingham said on Sept. 21 about Iowa. “Defense in particular, I guess leading the nation in defense right now, both total yards and in scoring D. So playing outstanding on that side of the ball, like usual. It’s been an MO of theirs for years. Got some playmakers on offense, especially the receiver, explosive players. So they’ll be a very stiff test for us, no doubt about that.”

Legendary Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz, meanwhile, echoed Whittingham’s comments and knows the challenge this game will be.

“Bottom line is it’s just going to be a really tough challenge at all levels. Good players, well-coached, play hard, and we’ll have our work cut out. So, big challenge. Looking forward to getting ready for that,” Ferentz said on Tuesday.

Ultimately, the winner of this game will be in a good spot in the Big Ten and become the darkhorse of the conference.

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This story was originally published by Lindys Sports on Sep 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Lindys Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.