Michigan enters conference play at 3-0 after finally putting together the type of offensive performance it had been searching for in last week’s win over UTEP. The Wolverines overcame another sluggish start before scoring 38 unanswered points, finishing with a season-high 431 yards of offense and converting nine of their 13 third-down attempts.
But the degree of difficulty rises considerably this afternoon. No. 17 Iowa is 3-0 after shutting out Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa, and surviving Iowa State,
16-13. Through those three games, the Hawkeyes have outscored their opponents, 111-13.
As usual, defense has been the calling card for Kirk Ferentz’s team, setting up a significant test for an improving Michigan offense. On the other side, the Wolverines will look to continue the defensive success that has helped carry them through the first three weeks.
With both teams undefeated and separated by just one spot in the AP Poll, Michigan’s Big Ten opener should provide a much better indication of where the Wolverines stand heading into conference play.
Game Info
- Teams: No. 18 Michigan Wolverines (3-0) vs. No. 17 Iowa Hawkeyes (3-0)
- Date: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026
- Location: Michigan Stadium — Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. ET
- Television: CBS
- Stream: Paramount+
- Spread: Michigan -5.5
Today’s question: Can Michigan’s offense carry its momentum from the second half against UTEP into a much tougher matchup with Iowa?
Bryce Underwood and the Wolverines took an encouraging step forward last week, but Iowa represents a much tougher test. The offense will have to protect the football — a point Kyle Whittingham has emphasized after the Wolverines put it on the ground six times over their first three games — and prove last week’s offensive breakout can translate against one of the better defenses it will see this season.
