Big Ten Championship Game Betting Preview

The Iowa Hawkeyes and the Michigan Wolverines will square off in the Big Ten Championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday Night. The Hawkeyes (10-2) won the West Division with a 7-2 conference record, while the Wolverines (11-1) took the East with an 8-1 mark. This should be a dog fight with the last two matchups being decided by one score each. Let’s dive into each team and see how the Hawkeyes and Wolverines match up. 

Iowa Hawkeyes Betting Preview: Hawkeyes Look to Play Spoiler in Big Ten Title Game

The Iowa Hawkeyes have had a rollercoaster of a season after starting the season 6-0 and climbing all the way to #2 in the nation and then dropped a pair of Big Ten games, just to fight and claw themselves back into the Big Ten Championship. The Hawkeyes find themselves on a four-game winning streak, ranked #15 in the nation and a chance to play spoiler and knock off #2 Michigan.

Iowa has been carried so far in 2021 by their defense that is allowing just 17.3 points and 315 yards per game. The Hawkeyes lead the nation with 22 interceptions on the year while forcing 27 turnovers, good for third nationally. Junior defensive back Dane Belton is the leader on the field, snagging five interceptions in 2021. 

The Hawkeye offense hasn’t been too spectacular this season averaging 25.7 points and 299 yards per contest. Iowa comes into the championship game with a strong run game that puts up 121.2 yards per game, but the passing attack is getting just 177.9 yards through the air. The offense should get a solid boost from veteran quarterback Spencer Petras, who led a comeback victory over Nebraska in the 2nd half. 

Michigan Wolverines Betting Preview: Michigan Eyeing National Championship 

The Michigan Wolverines come into this matchup with a four-game winning streak and a #2 overall ranking. Michigan offers a solid combination of offense and defense that makes this team very dangerous and one of the best in the nation.

On offense, the Wolverines are a clear run-first offense and are averaging a whopping 37.3 points per game. Michigan paces the Big Ten in rushing with 224.9 yards per game with Hassan Haskins and Blake Corum combining for 28 touchdowns, providing a one-two punch in the backfield. At quarterback, Cade McNamara leads the offense with 14 touchdowns to just three interceptions, while J.J. McCarthy adds a running element and change of pace to the game.

On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan is led by one of the best defensive fronts with Aidan Hutchinson leading the Big Ten with 13 sacks, while teammate David Ojabo ranks second with 11. The Wolverines are only allowing 17.2 points per game to opponents, but concede almost 320 yards to opposing teams.  

Betting Odds and Lines 

Early betting odds for the Big Ten Championship game opened with the Wolverines as the -10.5 favorites, with the point total at 43.5. The spread and total have since risen to -11 and 44.

It’s important to note that each of the last two matchup has been low-scoring and within one possession. Iowa is 5-1-1 ATS in their last seven games as the underdog, while the under is 4-1 in their last five games as an underdog. Meanwhile, the Wolverines are 4-0 ATS in their last four games overall and 5-1 ATS in their last six contests as the favorite.

Free Betting Preview

The Hawkeyes play their opponents tough, their last four games have finished within one possession and the last time these two teams faced, Michigan won the matchup 10-3 in Ann Arbor. Moreover, this should be a hard-fought battle. Iowa has one of the best defenses in the country, while Michigan sports one of the most well-rounded teams in the nation. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top.