Predicting the 2009 Iowa Hawkeye Football Season: Michigan

Homecoming Weekend in Iowa City is the definition of insanity.  Every year thousands of students, alumni, faculty and residents of all Iowa communities get together for a crazy week-long celebration of Hawkeye pride leading up to the Homecoming football game on Saturday.

The idea of homecoming celebrations isn't unique to Iowa, but Iowa Hawkeye alumni have a whole different brand of insanity than alumni from most schools.  And when you present Iowa fans with a night game, they take the extra time for tailgating seriously.

The events this year look to be especially intense with the return of longtime rival Michigan to Kinnick Stadium and the announcement of the Gold Out for this night game. 

Rich Rodriguez comes into Iowa for the first time since taking over the head coaching job at Michigan, as they were not on the schedule last year.  The Wolverines struggled in 2008 and ended with a 3-9 record and missed out on their first bowl game since 1974.  This year they look to be slightly improved and bring in a lot of talent from the recruiting season.

The Michigan defense takes a hit this year, with most of their talent from last year departing.  Coach Rodriguez has holes to fill all over the defense but their leading tackler from last year, linebacker Obi Ezeh , returns and will be a force to be reckoned with.

Michigan's offense is anyone's guess.  Quarterback Nick Sheridan isn't exactly inspiring Michigan fans, but does have an experienced line to play behind.  The running backs will have to step it up for Michigan to have a good year on offense.

Coming into this game, Michigan should have a 3-2 record.  The Wolverines face Western Michigan, Notre Dame, Eastern Michigan and Indiana all in their own back yard at the Big House before heading to MSU for their first road game.  Yes, you read that right.  Their first four games are home games.

So, what is this Hawkeye nerd's fearless prediction for the outcome of the game? 



Iowa 28 - Michigan 10



I would be lying if I said this game didn't worry me a little.  But, the Hawkeyes should be coming into this game with confidence after the thrashing of Arkansas State, and the Homecoming crowd will only increase that.

While last year the Homecoming atmosphere didn't help us to defeat Northwestern, this year will be different. 

Night Game + Homecoming + Gold Out = Wolverine Destruction

Our defense will frustrate Michigan's offensive line, and our secondary will be all over their wide receivers.  The Wolverines will have a hard time scoring against the Hawkeyes.

On offense, we won't have much trouble doing whatever we want.  Look for Ricky Stanzi to have a big passing game against an inexperienced Michigan secondary. Jewell Hampton does his part in this game by rushing for over 100 yards and scoring two touchdowns.

After defeating the Wolverines with ease, the 5-1 Hawkeyes take the show on the road for a couple of difficult battles.  Up next in the series of fearless predictions for the 2009 Iowa Football Season: Wisconsin.