Hank Brown has been Iowa’s starting quarterback for exactly one game. That game was against Northern Iowa, and he completed all 12 of his passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns. Now he faces a Michigan defense that ranks eighth in pass defense, allowing just 123.7 yards per game through the air, and 10th in the country in sacks with 10.
Brown has not faced a defense like this before. He has not been sacked in his college career, including during his two-year stint at Auburn. Michigan’s big test was Oklahoma, and the Wolverines held the Sooners to 10 points and 289 yards. Since then, Michigan has shown it can get into the backfield against better offensive lines, like Oklahoma’s.
Brown is excited about the challenge. He spoke about it on Tuesday, and his words are worth reading carefully.
Brown’s First Start
Jeremy Hecklinski was the favorite to win the starting job. Brown went out and took it anyway. He has completed 72.6 percent of his passes this season, with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
His performance against Northern Iowa was perfect. He went 12-for-12 for 153 yards and two touchdowns. It was a statement win, and it put Brown in position to be the guy moving forward.
But he hasn’t faced a defense as tough as Michigan’s. The Wolverines are ranked two spots ahead of the toughest Iowa has faced this season, which is Iowa State. The Cyclones have really only faced the Hawkeyes this season, so their numbers are limited. Michigan’s test came against Oklahoma, and the result was a 10-point, 289-yard effort.
The comparison is not entirely fair. Oklahoma scored 10 more yards and four more points against New Mexico. Iowa had little success against Iowa State and has only looked explosive offensively against Northern Illinois and Northern Iowa. There are questions for both teams heading into Saturday.
What Brown Said About Michigan
Brown shared his thoughts on the Wolverine defense on Tuesday. He was complimentary, but he also made clear what he expects.
“They’re definitely more aggressive,” Brown said. “And they fly around, they hit hard. They’ve got a ton of athletes. And so they’ve done a good job this year of being aggressive and very different than UNI. So definitely looking forward to it.”
Brown is excited to play against a defense that tends to be in man coverage more than zone. Much like wide receiver Tony Diaz, Brown believes his receivers will have a better chance to win one-on-one. He thinks they’ll get the better of the Michigan secondary.
“I think it presents a lot of opportunities,” Brown said. “It ultimately puts our guys in situations where they’re gonna have opportunities to win. And our guys have shown that they can do that. So we’re excited and looking forward to that.”
The Matchup
Brown’s read of the situation is straightforward. Michigan plays a lot of man coverage. That means his receivers will have chances to isolate against defensive backs one-on-one.
Brown has not faced a defense like this before. He has not been sacked in his college career, including during his two-year stint at Auburn. Michigan’s big test was Oklahoma, and the Wolverines held the Sooners to 10 points and 289 yards. Since then, Michigan has shown it can get into the backfield against better offensive lines, like Oklahoma’s.
The problem is that Michigan is also very good against the pass. Eighth in pass defense, allowing just 123.7 yards per game, means the opportunities Brown sees might not materialize the way he hopes.
What the Game Will Show
The game is scheduled for 3:36 p.m. EDT on Saturday. CBS will broadcast it.
The question for Iowa is simple. Can Brown handle pressure? Can his receivers beat man coverage? Can the offense move the ball against a defense that allows just 123.7 yards per game?
Michigan has answered the first question against Oklahoma. They held the Sooners to 10 points and 289 yards. They have shown they can get into the backfield against better offensive lines.
Iowa has answered the second question against Northern Iowa. Brown was perfect, completing all 12 of his passes. But that was against a team that has not faced a defense as tough as Michigan’s.
The third question is the one everyone wants to know. Can the Hawkeyes move the ball against a defense that ranks eighth in pass defense?
The Game This Week
Saturday is the biggest game of the year so far. Kickoff is slated for 3:36 p.m. EDT.
| Date | Time | Opponent |
|---|---|---|
| Saturday | 3:36 p.m. EDT | Michigan |
The Big Test
Michigan’s biggest test came against Oklahoma. The Wolverines held the Sooners to 10 points and 289 yards. Since then, Michigan has shown it can get into the backfield against better offensive lines, like Oklahoma’s.
Brown has not faced a defense like this before. He has not been sacked in his college career, including during his two-year stint at Auburn.
The matchup is interesting. Brown has not faced a defense like this before. He has not been sacked in his college career. Those are two very different things.
What We Make Of It
Brown is confident. He sees opportunities. He believes his receivers can win one-on-one.
The problem is that Michigan is really good. They allow just 123.7 yards per game through the air. They have 10 sacks. They held Oklahoma to 10 points and 289 yards.
Brown has not faced a defense like this before. He has not been sacked in his college career. Those are two very different things.
This is a fun matchup. It is also a difficult one. Brown is right that it presents opportunities. He is also right that it presents challenges.
The game will be broadcast on CBS at 3:36 p.m. EDT on Saturday. It will be a test for both teams. Michigan has answered the big test against Oklahoma. Iowa has answered the big test against Northern Iowa. The next test is Saturday.
Key Numbers
- Brown completed all 12 of his passes for 153 yards and two touchdowns against Northern Iowa
- Michigan ranks eighth in pass defense, allowing 123.7 yards per game through the air
- Michigan is 10th in the country in sacks with 10
- Michigan held Oklahoma to 10 points and 289 yards
- Brown has not been sacked in his college career, including two years at Auburn
Source material: “Iowa QB Hank Brown sees 'opportunities' against Michigan man coverage,” Yahoo Sports.
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