Michigan Faces a Big Road Test at Iowa

Last week, Michigan struggled on the road and for the first time Tate Forcier looked a true freshman. Consequently, Michigan suffered their first loss. The funny thing is, that loss was expected this week.

Shockingly Michigan State kept their season alive and have a chance to get back on track with a win over Illinois. Michigan on the other hand suffered a huge setback. Dominated for most of the game, the Wolverines had an incredible 4th quarter comeback led by Forcier. Then Forcier showed his inexperience in overtime, with a bad interception.

How will these young Wolverines respond? They will try to right the ship this week and get back in the hunt for the Big Ten title. It won't be easy as they face Iowa on the road at Kinnick Stadium. The Hawkeyes are off to there best start in 14 years, highlighted by a huge win over Penn State.

Their QB Rick Stanzi has already thrown for 1075 yards with 8 TDs. He does have seven INTs which could create turnover opportunities for the Wolverine defense.

For Forcier and company, this will be the toughest defense they have faced to date. The Hawkeyes held pre-season favorite Penn State to 10 points. Carlos Brown and Brandon Minor will have to help their young signal caller out by producing in the running game. Darryl Stonum will also have to help out with catches.

Michigan will have to play near flawlessly to pull this one off. If they do it, it will send a message that Michigan is indeed back and once again a force in the Big Ten. A loss will create more doubt in Ann Arbor and talk of Rich Rodriguez's job security will resurface. Perhaps a little unfair but it's the reality.