Michigan vs Iowa: Betting Preview and Lines for Big Ten Championship Title Fight

Michigan vs Iowa: Betting Preview and Lines for Big Ten Championship Title Fight

By Michael Harrison

November 22, 2024 at 06:57 PM

The #2 Michigan Wolverines (12-0, 6-5-1 ATS) will face the #17 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2, 6-5-1 ATS) in the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Football player throwing in passing stance

Football player throwing in passing stance

Michigan enters as a 21.5-point favorite, with a notably low total of 35.0 points - the lowest among all conference championships by at least 9 points. The odds suggest a final score of approximately 28-7 in Michigan's favor.

Michigan's Recent Performance:

  • Narrowly defeated Ohio State 30-24 despite being outgained (378-338 yards)
  • Ranks 2nd nationally in yards allowed (246.8/game)
  • Leads country in scoring defense (10.3 PPG)
  • QB JJ McCarthy improved to 74.3% completion rate and 176.8 QBR

Iowa's Defensive Strength & Offensive Struggles:

  • 4th in scoring defense (12.2 PPG)
  • 7th in total defense (279.9 yards/game)
  • Last in FBS offense (247.3 yards/game)
  • QB Deacon Hill completing only 48.3% passes with 5 TDs, 6 INTs
  • Strong running game led by Leshon Williams (779 yards) and Kaleb Johnson (415 yards)

Key Predictions:

  • First half under 18.5 points (-106)
  • Deacon Hill under 105.5 passing yards (-114)
  • Iowa team total under 6.5 points likely
  • Expect low-scoring first half, similar to Michigan's performances against Penn State and Ohio State (14 points each)

Michigan remains the national championship favorite at +182, while Iowa sits at +87500, with virtually no playoff chances even with a victory.

Historical Note: Iowa's games this season have consistently gone under, with a 2-10 over/under record, tied for best under percentage in FBS with UCLA and Tulane.

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