Michigan game is going to come down to....

[SixAMtailgate]

whether the DL gets off their blocks quickly. Looking at the Mich/MSU game, Denard thrived when he was able to immediately focus on the second level of the defense. If the DL is not getting off blocks quickly, I am wondering whether the coaching staff will bring a LB more often than we are used to seeing.

Just my observation from watching the last week.

 

[pmchawk]

I didn't watch the MSU/UM game last week but early on I think we would want to make Robinson's pocket and then make it a noose around his neck when it collapses.

Dejavu..

 

[ColumbusHawk]

There will be several keys to the game. First, Iowa will have to eliminate the big play. Iowa will also have to win the turnover battle.

No one has mentioned the other key, getting Michigan into third down situations. Michigan is atrocious on third down. Against Notre Dame, Indiana and Michigan State; Michigan is only seven for thirty-four on third down conversions a little over twenty percent. Eliminate the big play because Michigan has trouble sustaining drives.

 

[MidnightBlueSix]

There will be several keys to the game. First, Iowa will have to eliminate the big play. Iowa will also have to win the turnover battle.

No one has mentioned the other key, getting Michigan into third down situations. Michigan is atrocious on third down. Against Notre Dame, Indiana and Michigan State; Michigan is only seven for thirty-four on third down conversions a little over twenty percent. Eliminate the big play because Michigan has trouble sustaining drives.

This. Michigan's offense is not in any way built for sustained drives. They're built for the home run, not small ball. If we can get them to 3rd and 5+, they'll be in major trouble. If it happens late in the game and they're down a few points, expect Denard to be airmailing some gifts to our DBs.

 

[edr247]

1) Containing Dernard and forcing him to make plays WE want him to make.
2) Disciplined defense and good tackling.
3) Not making mistakes such as giving up big special teams plays or turning the ball over.
4) Our offense. For all the talk about Michigan's offense vs Iowa's defense, I think as important will be our own offensive production. Michigan's defense isn't great, so consistent and sustained drives by our offense will not only limit Michigan's chances on offense, but help put the game out of reach well before the 4th quarter.

 

[goods10]

In a nut shell....If we don't start the game like we did against Arizona we will win. Plain and simple. We are the better team and better teams win when they don't make mistakes. Break it down player by player if you want but it as simple as above. Not rocket science.