The Iowa defense has carried the Hawkeyes this season but that unit has a huge challenge in Saturday night’s Big Ten Championship game. Iowa gave up just over 12 points per game in Big 10 play but must find a way to slow down a Michigan offense that averaged more than 39 points. Wolverine quarterback JJ McCarthy is 19-0 as a starter against Big 10 foes.

McCarthy was the quarterback a year ago when the Wolverines used a balanced attack in a 27-14 win in Kinnick Stadium.

McCarthy says he always thought this game could happen, especially before his former Michigan teammates Cade McNamara and Erick All were injured.