Is Iowa better than Michigan?



It is certainly debatable in 2025.

Iowa played 7 close games this season that could have gone either way in the 4Q. Iowa won 3 of those games (@Rutgers, Penn St, Mich St) and lost 4 of those games (@iowa St, Ind, Ore, @USC)

The 4 close losses were all particularly painful. Losing to Iowa St and Oregon on last second FGs. Iowa missing a late FG against Indiana in a tie game. Iowa blowing a big lead against USC.

In the end, Iowas best victories were over Minn, Neb and Penn St.

Michigan had kinda of a weak Big Ten schedule, avoiding Ind, Ore, ILL,Iowa, Penn St. but Mich did play and lose to Oklahoma, USC and Ohio St. Probably Mich's best wins were over Washington, Neb and NW.

Comparing scores of common opponents, you get mixed messages. Iowa did better against USC and Nebraska. Michigan did better against Mich St.

I would guess if they played iin Iowa City, Iowa would win. If the game was played in Ann Arbor, Michigan would win.
 


Their QB was wildly overrated this year. He has a ton of talent but wasn't ready to be the man there as a freshman. We will see how he develops. Their D was solid and line very young. 2026 may be the best year to see them over the next three
 




Woulda been a great game. I think had we played them early on we'd have been favored cause their QB is just so green and he still wasn't that good as the yr went on frankly. QBs like that Parker eats for breakfast. I think we coulda took em. I'm a tad biased though.
 


Since you brought up 2026. Looking ahead to Iowa's 2026 schedule

NIU
Iowa St
UNI

@ILL
@Mich
@Minn
@NW
@Wash

Ohio St
Purdue
Wisc
Neb

I would guess Iowa wins against NIU, Iowa St, UNI, @Minn, @NW, Purdue, Wisc and Neb

I would guess Iowa loses against @ILL, @Mich, @Wash, and Ohio St

Looks like 8-4 again.
 






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