Michigan opened its Big Ten season in its customary fashion–with defense and a victory.
The Wolverines turned four of Iowa’s five turnovers into scores as they defeated the Hawkeyes 30-17 to win their 23rd straight conference opener. Michigan (3-1, 1-0) ended a two-year losing streak to Iowa (2-2, 0-1) in front of 111,428.
“Our defense is definitely carrying the load,” said Michigan wide receiver Braylon Edwards, who caught six passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. “They are providing us with so many turnovers and opportunities it’s unreal. Every time I sit down after an offensive possession, I look up at the scoreboard and they are getting a fumble or interception. If they continue to do what they are doing, there’s no telling . . . “
Coming into the game, No. 18 Michigan was leading the country in interceptions and turnovers. The Wolverines’ defense, which has provided turnovers that have led to 79 of Michigan’s 117 points this season, recovered three fumbles and intercepted two Drew Tate passes. The Wolverines, who also held Iowa to minus-15 yards rushing, now have 11 interceptions and 19 turnovers.
“We have great respect for Michigan’s ability to create turnovers,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “Again, it’s not us helping them out, they help themselves.”
Michigan scored 16 straight points in the second quarter for a 16-7 halftime lead. Iowa got within 16-10 after a field goal on its opening drive of the second half, but Michigan turned a Tate fumble and an interception into a 30-10 lead.
Defensive back Grant Mason returned the interception 25 yards for the Wolverines’ final score.
Iowa took a 7-0 lead on its first possession, showing no ill effects from last week’s 44-7 beating at Arizona State. The Hawkeyes drove 75 yards on seven plays, aided by a personal foul. Tate, a sophomore in his first year as a starter, passed 2 yards to Ed Hinkel for the score with 11 minutes 31 seconds left in the quarter.
Hinkel, who made a diving, one-handed catch for the touchdown, and Tate were later victims of the Michigan defense.
Hinkel fumbled after taking a screen pass from Tate in the second quarter and the Wolverines, who got within 7-3 after a 46-yard Garrett Rivas field goal, converted right away.
Freshman quarterback Chad Henne connected on a 59-yard touchdown pass to Edwards. Iowa cornerback Jovan Johnson had covered Edwards closely, but Edwards plucked the ball off Johnson’s shoulder and ran away for the score.
“All year, I’ve just told Chad to throw it out there and let me make a play on it,” Edwards said. “He threw it out there, and to be honest, it was exactly where I wanted the ball.”
It was a rough day for Tate, the leading passer in Texas high school history. He completed his first 10 passes but finished 24 of 32 for 270 yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions and four sacks.
He also had a touchdown run called back and his helmet ripped off for a Michigan personal foul.
