1. More of the OT QB
Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner jogs past U-M fans as he heads to the locker room after leading the Wolverines to a triple-overtime victory over Northwestern Saturday. ( John T. Greilick / The Detroit News )
Junior quarterback Devin Gardner looked like a different quarterback last Saturday in overtime than he did during regulation, and that's the quarterback Michigan needs to see these final regular-season games. Gardner, who had about a half-dozen sure interceptions dropped, was more poised and methodical in OT and scored the winning touchdown and conversion. He will need those attributes against a disciplined Iowa defense.
2. Run to pass
Michigan freshman running back Derrick Green led the Wolverines with 79 yards on 19 carries against Northwestern. ( John T. Greilick / The Detroit News )
Last week at Northwestern, Michigan rediscovered the concept of positive rushing yards, and the Wolverines did that with freshmen backs Derrick Green and De'Veon Smith. Their emergence does not spell the end of carries for senior Fitz Toussaint, but Green and Smith will play more of a prominent role, and it would not be surprising to see the physical Green get a second straight start.
3. Get creative
Michigan tight end Jake Butt (88) celebrates his 11-yard touchdown reception against Northwestern with teammate A.J. Williams in the first overtime. ( John T. Greilick / The Detroit News )
Michigan must find ways move the ball an Iowa defense that can be pretty stingy, which might mean using tight end Jake Butt and tight end/receiver Devin Funchess a bit more. The Hawkeyes are ranked third in the Big Ten and ninth nationally in total defense, giving up an average 319.2 yards a game. Iowa is third in scoring defense (18.7 points). Gardner had great success against the Hawkeyes a year ago, but the Iowa defense is vastly improved and Michigan's young interior offensive linemen will be tested again.
4. Eye on the tight ends
Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz has 20 receptions and four touchdowns this season. ( Getty Images )
Iowa tight end C.J. Fiedorowicz, who is 6-foot-7, 265 pounds is almost guaranteed a catch against Michigan. Why? Because he's had at least one reception in each of the last 28 games. He has 20 catches for 188 yards and four touchdowns this season. Also, sophomore tight end Jake Duzey last month against Ohio State had a career-high 138 yards on six catches. Michigan's defense must keep an eye on those two.
5. Quietly good
Michigan linebacker Jake Ryan (47) and defensive tackle Jibreel Black (55) pressure Northwestern quarterback Trevor Siemian. ( John T. Greilick / The Detroit News )
While much of the talk this season has been about Michigan's offense, the defense has done a fairly admirable job for the most part. Yes, the Wolverines have given up chunks of points, including the 90 combined in back-to-back games against Penn State and Indiana, but they've made key stops. Linebacker Jake Ryan has given them a boost in recent weeks, and Frank Clark has been a factor. They will have to get Iowa QB Jake Rudock, who has thrown for 14 touchdowns and rushed for five.
