Sharp Bettors Shift Big Ten Spread 2 Points for Iowa
The Michigan vs Iowa Big Ten Championship Still Has Michigan As Heavy Favorites
The Michigan Wolverines have a familiar face back on the sideline.
Head Coach Jim Harbaugh is back from his three-game suspension that he agreed on amid a perfect season.
Harbaugh and the Michigan program were caught in a cheating scandal, which led to a three-game suspension by the Big Ten. Harbaugh eventually agreed to the punishment and missed the final three regular-season games.
Without Harbaugh, Michigan earned wins against Penn State, Maryland, and Ohio State with assistant coach Sherrone Moore, who Harbaugh later called a legend in his Monday press conference.
Moore did a great job holding things together for the Wolverines. With Harbaugh back for the Big Ten Championship game, things are looking bright for Michigan moving forward.
They’ll take on an Iowa team that is 10-2 on the NCAAF season. The Iowa Hawkeyes have one of the worst offenses in the nation. But they’ve paired that with one of the best defenses in the nation. The defense has done most of the talking to allow the Hawkeyes a chance at the Big Ten Championship.
That said, the line for the Iowa-Michigan Big Ten matchup started at -23 on Sunday, November 26. However, that line has now dipped to -21.5.
Sharps and other bettors like the hefty number with the Hawkeyes and have bet down the -23 to -21.5. Should we expect more line movement before the game?
Take a look at the Michigan vs Iowa Big Ten Championship odds for Saturday’s massive matchup.
Michigan vs Iowa 
Location: FLA Live Arena, Sunrise, Florida
Day/Time:
Streaming: FOX Broadcasts: ESPN+
Michigan vs Iowa Big Ten Championship Odds
When lines came out for the Big Ten Championship game, some books were a little unsure where to put the lines.
Some books held a -23 on Saturday, while other books waited until Sunday to post lines. We even saw Michigan as high as -24 on Wednesday at some books.
However, the consensus line now is Michigan -21.5 against Iowa in the Big Ten Championship. The critical number is 21. We’ll see if bettors can get the Iowa spread to that -21 number.
Meanwhile, the total has stayed more consistent. Some books opened at 34.5, while others dropped a 35.5 line. However, all books are still sitting around 34.5. Still, you can shop around and find a 35.5 number if you want to take the Under in this game.
Finally, the moneyline would be silly to bet if you’re backing Michigan. They’re -4000 at some books and -1800 at others. So make sure to shop around. Either way, backing a -1800 favorite, even in a parlay, wouldn’t be the smartest thing. However, that -1800 will likely be a +EV play, so if you take Michigan on the moneyline, go find those odds before settling.
What Happens If Michigan Loses on Saturday?
The Michigan Wolverines are currently ranked as the No. 2 team in the College Football Playoff. They’re expected to win by more than 21 points against the Hawkeyes on Saturday. If the Wolverines earn a win and stay undefeated, they’ll be in the College Football Playoff.
If the Wolverines lose, there will be a ton of chaos in the College Football rankings. It’s unclear if Michigan will make a top-four slot with a loss against Iowa.
The Hawkeyes have two losses and a backup quarterback playing. They’re also without their top defensive and special teams player, Cooper DeJean. Therefore, a loss from Michigan could keep them out of the CFP. Ohio State would even have the edge on Michigan if that happens.
Bowl Projections For Iowa
There are multiple sportsbooks, with Iowa sitting at +100000 to win the National Championship. However, it’s doubtful that Iowa will even be considered for a College Football Playoff berth. They’re No. 16 on the list this week and have two losses.
Therefore, the most realistic option for Iowa would be the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl. The Hawkeyes would likely play Ole Miss or LSU as the SEC team in that matchup.
The world would love to watch Iowa’s defense face LSU’s offense. However, LSU likely won’t even have Jayden Daniels in the bowl game as he prepares for the NFL Draft.
Michigan’s Championship Odds
The Wolverines are tied with the Georgia Bulldogs for the best and highest probability of winning the National Championship.
Georgia has won it in consecutive years. Therefore, many college football fans are hoping it’s a different team that takes home the trophy. However, most don’t want that new team to be Michigan, after they were caught cheating for multiple years by stealing signals from other teams throughout the years.
Either way, Michigan is sitting at +190 to win the National Championship and have NCAAF odds of -4000 odds to make the College Football Playoff. If you think Iowa can sneak in a win against Michigan, you can get a better line by taking Michigan to not make the playoffs than by taking Iowa on the moneyline.
If Michigan wins this game, they’re automatically in. But if they don’t, it’ll be because Iowa wins. Iowa is about +1200 to win the Big Ten Championship, but Michigan to not make the playoffs is at +1300. That +1300 has more value.
Considering everything, our college football predictions state that Michigan will win the Big Ten Championship. With that, they’ll be either No. 1 or No. 2 in the college football rankings, depending on if Georgia takes care of Alabama on Saturday.
There won’t be any crazy results in this Michigan vs Iowa Big Ten Championship. We might get a low-scoring game and an Iowa cover, but an Iowa win is improbable.
For NCAAF betting news, odds analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.
