Five particular predictions for Michigan vs. Iowa in the Big Ten title game are based on…

Michigan is in line to win its third Big Ten Championship in a row, and they’re supposed to do so with relative ease. Jim Harbaugh is back, and he and his Wolverines are 21.5-point favorites over Iowa.

The Hawkeyes struggle to score, and Michigan has been good enough to win every game it has played this season, with or without Harbaugh. As big favorites, U-M is likely to leave Indianapolis victorious, but how it looks is up for debate.

1. J.J. McCarthy will throw at least two touchdowns

With Jim Harbaugh back on the sidelines, I expect McCarthy to be sharp and ready to rock. Iowa’s defense is solid, but the best player from the unit, Cooper DeJean, is out, which seriously changes how effective they are.

On the flip side, McCarthy will have all of his weapons at his disposal and tons of motivation to shine bright on the big stage. I expect him to make a couple more throws that just make you say, Wow.

2. Donovan Edwards and Blake Corum will each score a touchdown

Corum has scored in every game this year, so his finding pay dirt is basically a foregone conclusion. Edwards, on the other hand, has only scored three times, but he has a knack for making plays in the biggest games.

He obviously did so last year in Columbus and again against Purdue in the 2022 Big Ten Championship. Look for both backs to get it going against the Hawkeyes.

3. Colston Loveland will score a touchdown

Loveland got hot during a three-game stretch during the middle of this season where he scored four touchdowns, but that’s been it in terms of scoring.

He’s been good as a sophomore, but not quite as unstoppable as some thought he might be. He’s got so much talent and upside that scoring each week seems realistic.

He made his best touchdown catch of the year last year against Purdue in the Big Ten Championship, so look for him to put his stamp on this game too.

4. Mike Sainristil will intercept a pass

With five interceptions, Agent Zero leads the Wolverines and seems capable of getting one on almost every series. In addition to having excellent ball skills, he is always in the right place at the right time.

After all, he is a former wide receiver. Sainristil has managed to make play after play ever since becoming a defensive back, and it would be fitting for him to do so again in the Big Ten Championship, especially if Will Johnson can’t go or is on a snap count.

5. Iowa will not run a play in Michigan’s red zone

This prediction is based on two factors: Iowa’s offense is terrible and has only scored 22 touchdowns this season; Michigan’s defense is excellent and has kept teams out of the red zone all year.

Against Iowa, Michigan has demonstrated its ability to bend but not break, so the Hawkeyes may not even be able to get close to the red zone.

It’s reasonable that the U-M defense might bend a bit against the Hawkeyes, but they certainly won’t be stressed like against better offensive teams.