Despite all the negativity regarding an offense that ranks as one of the worst in college football, the Iowa Hawkeyes are in the Big Ten championship game. Iowa will face the Michigan Wolverines, who will welcome the return of head coach Jim Harbaugh to the sidelines after a three-game suspension. Iowa wins with defense, kicking teams, and a culture that is tough as nails. Michigan does the same thing but with one difference: the Wolverines also supply an offense. Thus, gamblers see Michigan as the more complete College Football Betting product.
2023 Big Ten Championship Game Iowa Hawkeyes vs. Michigan Wolverines
| Date and Time: | Saturday, December 2, 2023, 8 p.m. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN. |
| TV Coverage: | FOX |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | -23 -110 | 35½ -110 | -2440 |  |
| Iowa | +23 -110 | 35½ -110 | +1230 | |
| ||||
Iowa Hawkeyes Team Overview
Last game, the Iowa Hawkeyes won 13-10 against the Nebraska Cornhuskers as 2.5-point road dogs. The game went under the sportsbook total of 26. Iowa has a record of 10-2 straight up, 6-5-1 against the spread, and 2-10 over/under the total. Iowa ranks 133rd for total offense, 130th for passing, 104th for rushing, and 125th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 7th overall, 9th against the pass, 17th against the rush, and 4th for points allowed. Also, Iowa ranks 85th for fewest turnovers lost and 71st for takeaways.
Last spring, Marshall Meeder entered the transfer portal after kicking three seasons at Central Michigan. Hence, he was prepared to focus on finishing his engineering degree if no offer interested him. After he barely cleared the crossbar with his first attempt of the season as time ran out Friday to beat Nebraska, Meeder was glad he came top of Iowa.
Specifically, Meeder’s opportunity for the 20th-ranked Hawkeyes came at the most pressure-packed moment. Following Drew Stevens having two field-goal tries blocked and had two kickoffs go out of bounds. When Meeder’s 38-yarder went through, teammates mobbed him and hoisted him on their shoulders. Finally, Meeder held the Heroes Trophy that goes to the winner of the rivalry game. The Hawkeyes celebrated at midfield while officials determined whether any time remained on the clock.
Michigan Wolverines Team Overview
Last game, the Michigan Wolverines won 30-24 against the Ohio State Buckeyes as 3-point home favorites. The game went over the total of 47. Michigan has a record of 12-0 straight up, 6-5-1 against the spread, and 6-5-1 over/under the total. Michigan ranks 59th for total offense, 64th for passing, 53rd for rushing, and 13th for scoring. Defensively, they rank 2nd overall, 4th against the pass, 7th against the rush, and 1st for points allowed. Also, Michigan ranks 5th for fewest turnovers lost and 5th for takeaways.
Blake Corum rushed for two touchdowns. And then JJ McCarthy threw for another to lift Michigan to a win over Ohio State. To summarize, Corum finished with 88 rushing yards for Michigan. Corum broke a 17-17 tie late in the third quarter with a 22-yard run for a touchdown. The Buckeyes reached the Michigan 40 before Rod Moore intercepted Kyle McCord at the Wolverines’ 21 with 25 seconds left. As a result, Michigan has won three straight games versus the Buckeyes for the first time since 1995-97. McCarthy was 16-of-20 for 148 yards and a TD.
Iowa vs. Michigan SBG Free Picks
Of major concern is the heavy College Football Betting price on Michigan. Iowa has the defense to stay within the number.
Iowa vs. Michigan SBG Best Bet: Iowa Hawkeyes.