The #2 Michigan Wolverines (12-0) face the #17 Iowa Hawkeyes (10-2) in the 2023 Big Ten Championship Game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Michigan enters as a 21.5-point favorite with a historically low total of 35.0 points.

Michigan's Path to the Championship Michigan arrives after a narrow 30-24 victory over Ohio State, where they were outgained for the first time this season. The Wolverines boast the nation's top scoring defense (10.3 PPG) and rank second in yards allowed (246.8 per game).

Key Michigan Performers:

• JJ McCarthy: 74.3% completion rate, 176.8 QBR
• Blake Corum: 81.3 rushing yards per game

Iowa's Defensive Strength Iowa brings the nation's fourth-best scoring defense (12.2 PPG) but struggles offensively, ranking last in FBS with 247.3 yards per game. The Hawkeyes are 2-10 on over/unders this season, featuring consistently low-scoring games.

Key Iowa Factors:

• Deacon Hill: 48.3% completion rate, 5 TDs, 6 INTs
• Running game: Leshon Williams (779 yards) and Kaleb Johnson (415 yards)

Betting Analysis and Predictions:

• First half under 18.5 points (-106)
• Deacon Hill under 105.5 passing yards (-114)
• Iowa team total under 6.5 points shows value

Historical context suggests a low-scoring first half, with Michigan likely struggling to score more than 14-17 points before halftime against Iowa's elite defense.

Michigan remains the favorite in national championship odds at +182, while Iowa sits at +87500, though even a victory wouldn't secure them a playoff spot.

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