Michigan takes care of Iowa, punches ticket to the CFP

Michigan punches their ticket to the CFP with third straight Big Ten championship.

For the third year in a row, the Michigan Wolverines are the Big Ten champions after winning 26-0. They are also heading into the College Football Playoffs for a third straight season, now they just need to find a way to win a semifinal game.

It was all about the Wolverines in this game as the defense suffocated the Iowa Hawkeyes on offense. Neither offense broke this game open between two defenses that ranked among the top four in the nation in points allowed. The key difference was the turnovers as Michigan forced three fumbles that resulted in 10 points.

The Hawkeyes under much-maligned offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz had just three drives that ended in Wolverines territory. Only one came during the game when the score wasn’t out of reach for Iowa, it was a fumble that ended a drive inside the Michigan 30-yard line.

As for the Wolverines, star running back Blake Corum scored two touchdowns in the game to tie a school record. He now is tied with Anthony Thomas with 55 rushing touchdowns. Earlier this season, the senior running back set a school record with 22 rushing touchdowns this season. The number has now grown to 24.

After building a 10-0 lead in the first half, Michigan would score on four of the final six drives of the game with three field goals and the Corum touchdown. They now await their opponent in the College Football Playoffs. The Wolverines are the likely No. 1 seed after Alabama’s upset win over Georgia in the SEC title game.

While Iowa awaits their bowl destination and opponent, the team can get a jump start on the offensive coordinator search. Check out Hawkeyes Wire for all the latest on that front.