The 4-1 Iowa Hawkeyes take the field this Saturday to host the undefeated Michigan Wolverines. Both teams are coming into this game off of conference wins in week 4.
History
While I wouldn’t consider Iowa and Michigan to be rivals, there is certainly some history between these two teams. Particularly Jim Harbaugh and the Hawkeyes. First beginning in 1985 when #1 Iowa defeated #2 Michigan at home where Jim Harbaugh was the quarterback of the Wolverines at the time. Iowa won the game 12-10 on a game-ending field goal. This was the second time Harbaugh has lost to Iowa.
Jim Harbaugh then lost again as coach in his return to Kinnick Stadium in 2016 as Iowa upset #2 Michigan on another last-minute field goal. Making him 0-3 at Kinnick Stadium.
Away from Kinnick Harbaugh has faired well against the Hawkeyes. Iowa has lost to Michigan twice since 2016, both away from Kinnick stadium. Most notably in last year’s Big 10 championship in one of the worst blowouts these eyes have ever seen.
Does Iowa have a chance?
Coming into this game, many are looking to write off Iowa very quickly. Iowa hasn’t looked very strong this year, Michigan is a national title contender with a potential Heisman-winning quarterback. On paper, Michigan should take it easy. Normally this would be true, but when it comes to Kinnick Stadium anyone can be in trouble.
If you have been watching college football for long enough you know that Kinnick stadium is a tough place for the top 5 teams to play. Iowa has gotten the win in 4 out of the last 5 matchups vs top 5 teams.
Jim Harbaugh even acknowledged this stat in an interview earlier this week.
Now many readers may be wondering “How will Iowa compete with Michigan when they have no offense”? Well, it’s going to be difficult that’s for sure. Lucky for Iowa, the 2016 team gave them the blueprint of pulling off an upset with no offense. Quarterback C.J Bethard had a Spencer Petras game before a Petras game existed amassing a QBR of 18.2 in his upset over Michigan.
Now with all this being said, we need to remember that none of these stats even involve the current Iowa team. This is all in the past. Iowa is going to need to play well in order to beat, let alone compete with, a very talented Michigan team. Iowa may have Kinnick Stadium Vodo on their side, but the play needs to be there as well. Will Iowa win this game? I don’t know. From a fan perspective, I would like them too, but I also know the odds are against them in this one. I just don’t think they should be ruled out.
We gotta believe!
Go Hawks.
Scramble Sports 
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