Last Week at The Wolverine Den
Tailgate Attendance: 5
Iowa 30 - Michigan 28
Kinnick Stadium
October 10, 2009 - 7 p.m. CDT
Game Summary
Michigan lost for the second straight week as the Iowa Hawkeyes remained unbeaten on the season. You can’t win with five turnovers, yet Michigan almost did. It was a back and forth game where Michigan seemed to have the momentum until a fumble in Iowa territory stopped a drive. A muffed punt return then gave Iowa the ball deep in Michigan territory that lead to the final margin. The Wolverines had one last chance needing only a field goal to win, but were unable to drive before the game ended on an interception.
Overall, in a very difficult place to play, with a boisterous crowd, at night, Michigan did very well. Let’s remember that this is not a championship season. It is a season to improve and go to a bowl game. Michigan was not expected to beat the Hawkeyes, but they came closer than most expected. A moral victory? Not in football. It was a learning experience that Tate, Denard, and the boys will use on their next road game and next year, and the year after.
There were a few performances of note. Brandon Graham had two more sacks and was a constant force in the backfield. Donovan Warren intercepted his 3rd pass in three weeks (and returned it 40 yards for a TD). The offensive line had their best game against a tough Iowa defense. And Zoltan had his best game ever as a Wolverine with a 53-yard average on punts (including one of over 60 yards from the back of the end zone).
It was a disappointing loss but one that should teach this team how to win the big games. We’ll see how they respond.
The Wolverine Den Trivia
Q: The capacity of Michigan Stadium was changed this year during the construction. This is the 9th time the capacity changed. What is the original capacity and the current capacity at the Big House?
A: The original capacity was 72,000 before maxing out at 107,501 in 1998. The current (under construction) capacity of The Big House is 106,201.
Craig's Prediction
26-23
Steve's Prediction
27-21
Tim's Prediction
21-20